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| - Last Updated on August 21, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A post on social media claims that vaccines have zero effectiveness against infections. We did the fact check to term it as False.
The Claim
According to a video on Threads, the effectiveness of vaccines against infections is zero. The excess mortality we are witnessing is very likely related to the vaccine. The video features Dr Aseem Malhotra.
Fact Check
Who is Dr Aseem Malhotra?
Aseem Malhotra, a controversial British cardiologist and author, is known for his anti-mRNA vaccine stance despite public health consensus. He advocates for reducing sugar intake, adopting a low-carb, high-fat diet, and minimising prescription drug use. He was the first science director of Action on Sugar in 2014 and was named one of The Sunday Times 500 most influential people in 2016. His diet views were criticised by the British Heart Foundation as misleading, and his “Pioppi Diet” was listed among the worst celebrity diets by the British Dietetic Association. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Malhotra published “The 21-Day Immunity Plan,” claiming it could reduce virus risk without supporting medical evidence. Despite initially supporting COVID vaccines, he later opposed mRNA vaccines, contrary to the available evidence.
Is it true that vaccines have zero effectiveness against infections?
No, this claim is not true. Vaccines train the immune system to recognise and combat pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. The effectiveness of vaccines varies. But many have high efficacy rates and significantly reduce the incidence of infections and the severity of diseases. For instance, the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is about 97% against measles, after two doses. COVID-19 vaccines provide substantial protection against severe illness and hospitalisation.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines work by introducing a harmless component of a pathogen to the immune system. This may be a protein or a piece of its genetic material. This exposure stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies and activate other immune responses. Hence, it creates a memory that helps the body recognise and fight the actual pathogen if exposed in the future. This mechanism not only protects the vaccinated individual but also contributes to community immunity and keeps everyone safe. Thus, reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
Are vaccines 100% effective?
No vaccine is 100% effective. But many are highly effective in preventing infections and reducing the severity of illnesses. The effectiveness of a vaccine can vary depending on factors such as the type of vaccine, the disease it targets, and the individual’s health and age. Even when vaccines do not completely prevent infection, they often significantly lessen the severity and duration of illness. This in turn reduces the likelihood of complications and transmission.
Are vaccines safe and effective?
Yes, vaccines undergo rigorous testing in clinical trials to ensure their safety and effectiveness before approval for public use. These trials involve multiple phases and thousands of participants to assess potential side effects and efficacy. After approval, vaccines are continually monitored for safety through various surveillance systems. The overwhelming consensus in the medical and scientific communities is that vaccines are safe and effective. The benefits of vaccination, including the prevention of serious diseases and death, far outweigh the risks of potential side effects.
In one of the claims Dr. Anthony Stephen Fauci an American scientist and immunologist, considered to be the top expert in the US about the Coronavirus has said that Covid-19 vaccines are spreading disease.
What is the most effective vaccine ever?
The smallpox vaccine is one of the most effective vaccines ever developed. It led to the complete eradication of smallpox, a disease that once caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The success of the smallpox vaccination campaign is a testament to the profound impact vaccines can have on global health.
What diseases have been eliminated by vaccines?
Smallpox has been eradicated globally thanks to an effective vaccination campaign. Other diseases, like polio, are on the brink of eradication due to widespread vaccination efforts. Vaccines have also significantly reduced the incidence of diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, and whooping cough. These successes underscore the importance of vaccines in controlling and eliminating infectious diseases.
A false post on social media also claims that polio persists as acute flaccid myelitis and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
What are the benefits of vaccination?
Vaccination is one of the most effective public health interventions in history. The benefits of vaccination are numerous and intense, contributing significantly to individual and community health. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Prevention of Disease: Vaccines protect individuals from contracting infectious diseases. By stimulating the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens, vaccines prevent illnesses that can cause severe health complications or death.
- Reduction in Disease Severity: Even when vaccines do not entirely prevent infection, they often reduce the severity and duration of illness. This can prevent serious complications and reduce the need for medical treatment or hospitalisation.
- Herd Immunity: Widespread vaccination can lead to herd immunity, which occurs when a large portion of a community becomes immune to a disease, thereby providing indirect protection to those who are not immune. This is especially important for individuals who cannot receive vaccine, such as infants, older people, or those with certain medical conditions.
- Eradication and Control of Diseases: Vaccination has led to the eradication of smallpox and has brought other diseases, like polio, to the brink of eradication. It also helps control outbreaks of diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella, significantly reducing their prevalence.
- Economic Benefits: Vaccines can lead to significant economic benefits by reducing healthcare costs due to treating preventable diseases. Plus, they reduce the economic burden on families by preventing loss of income due to illness or caring for sick relatives.
- Protection for Future Generations: Successful vaccination programs can eliminate or drastically reduce the prevalence of diseases for future generations. For example, widespread immunisation has nearly eradicated diseases like polio, sparing future generations from these debilitating illnesses.
- Global Health Improvement: Vaccination programs improve global health by preventing the spread of infectious diseases across borders. International vaccination efforts have reduced the global burden of diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, and hepatitis B.
- Supporting Healthy Development: Vaccines help ensure that children grow up healthy and can attend school, participate in activities, and reach their full potential without the hindrance of vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Reduction of Antibiotic Resistance: By preventing bacterial infections through vaccination, the use of antibiotics can be reduced, which helps combat the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Enhanced Life Expectancy: Vaccination has contributed to the significant increase in life expectancy over the past century by preventing diseases that would otherwise cause premature death or chronic health issues.
Therefore, the benefits of vaccination extend beyond individual protection. It strengthens healthier communities and reduces the overall burden of infectious diseases. Vaccines are the basis of public health.
Conclusion
The claim that vaccines have zero effectiveness against infections is false. Vaccines are a critical tool in preventing infectious diseases and are highly effective in reducing the incidence and severity of many illnesses. Statements to the contrary, like those made by Dr. Aseem Malhotra, do not align with the scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of vaccines. Vaccines save millions of lives and continue to be an essential part of public health strategy. We have done fact checks earlier as well to combat misinformation surrounding COVID vaccines. All in all, vaccines protect individuals and communities from potentially devastating diseases.
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