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| - Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta
Quick Take
A social media post questions the role of vaccines in the prevention of infectious diseases. We confirmed the assertion. Our findings indicate that the claim is Mostly False.
The Claim
According to a widely shared Instagram post, Dr Suzanne Humphries objected to the role of vaccines in the prevention of infectious disease outbreaks. She even questioned the safety of vaccinations. A screenshot of the post has been provided for your convenience.
Fact Check
What impact do vaccines have on human health?
Active immunity is the defence produced by the body’s immune system. Vaccination aids in the activation of this active immunity. Vaccines reduce the risk of contracting a disease by enhancing the body’s natural defences. When one receives a vaccine, the defence system responds. Vaccines are thus essential in the prevention and control of infectious disease outbreaks. They also contribute to global health security and will be crucial in combating antimicrobial resistance.
Is the vaccines’ preventive efficacy questionable?
No, not at all. It should be noted that the underprivileged in society are disproportionately troubled by infectious diseases in many countries. This is due to the combined effects of poverty, undernutrition, poor hygiene and sanitation, overpopulation, discrimination, and poor access to healthcare. Therefore, according to the World Health Organization, it is a moral imperative and a human right for every individual to have access to safe vaccines. This has led to the establishment of vaccination programs on both national and international scales.
These vaccination programs ensure that mortality associated with infectious diseases is no longer a determinant of one’s life. Furthermore, vaccine recipients have the potential to live longer lives. Vaccines are estimated to save six million lives each year from vaccine-preventable diseases. The most common conditions include diphtheria, poliomyelitis, pertussis, tetanus, measles, tuberculosis, and smallpox. Therefore, the most challenging scientific need of the twenty-first century is the development of safe and effective vaccines against diseases that cause significant morbidity and mortality.
Do vaccines have any adverse effects?
Yes, this may occur on occasion. Please understand that there is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ vaccine that not only protects but is completely safe for everyone. As a result, vaccines that induce protective immunity may cause some undesirable side effects, which are usually mild and resolve quickly.
However, the vast majority of events thought to be related to vaccine administration are not due to the vaccine itself, many are simply coincidental. These events could be caused by either human or program errors. Regardless, vaccine-related adverse events can affect healthy people and should be reported as soon as possible to allow for additional research and appropriate action. WHO has established a Global Vaccine Safety Response Team to respond to vaccine safety issues in a timely, efficient, and scientifically rigorous manner.
THIP MEDIA TAKE: We conclude that a vaccine program is essential for the underprivileged, particularly in developing countries. The World Health Organization’s vaccination program has played a significant role in the eradication of various infectious diseases around the world. Regardless, the adverse effects following vaccination may not always be due to the vaccine itself. As a result, our analysis concludes that the assertion is mostly false.
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