The Role of Vaccinations in Public Health
Written by Mariam Darb
Vaccinations are one of the greatest achievements made by scientists. Vaccines work by training the immune system in our bodies to recognize and combat pathogens, which protect us and our communities from outbreaks.
In the past, they have played a role in controlling diseases such as smallpox, polio, and whooping cough. Polio was an outbreak in the 20th century but is now near eradication from vaccination campaigns around the world.
The idea of immunity, which arises when a significant percentage of a population gets immunized and lowers the likelihood of the disease spreading, is essential to the effectiveness of vaccination. Substantial vaccination coverage is necessary for herd immunity to function effectively. For example, to stop an outbreak of measles, about 95% of the population must be immunized.
Vaccine hesitation persists despite the evidence, driven by disinformation and mistrust. Health campaigns that emphasize the stringent testing and oversight that guarantee vaccine safety for everyone must address these worries via education and communication in order to counteract this.
Overall, vaccines are a milestone achievement in the medical field and have proven to prevent outbreaks within communities and offer reassurance. Vaccine research and education are vital to maintaining the benefits of vaccines, which can ultimately lead to healthier and more resilient communities.
References
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/vaccines-and-immunization-vaccine-safety
Written by Mariam Darb from MEDILOQUY