Author: Elaine Guo
Editors: Sophia Chen, Kevy Chen, Ian Cho
Artist: Christina Chen
Vaccines have been used for a very long time. The first vaccine for smallpox was created in 1796 by Edward Jenner, an English physician. Primitive forms of vaccination date back to as early as 200 BCE, when healthy individuals were exposed to viruses to develop immunity. In the modern era, controversy around vaccines has grown, with some marking them as unsafe and unethical. A recent example is the COVID-19 vaccine, where many parents hesitated to vaccinate their children due to concerns about insufficient research or potential side effects.
Receiving immunization and vaccines has been a controversial topic throughout the modern world. Vaccines help the body develop protection against diseases, making individuals immune to them. When you are immune to a disease, you can be exposed to it without worrying about infection. Although vaccination has clear benefits, many parents are worried about potential side effects and its risks. Some believe vaccines can be unsafe for their children and cause more harm than good. Consequently, opinions about vaccines vary greatly.
Vaccines come with risks and benefits, which people weigh differently depending on their priorities. For a long time, vaccination has been one of the most successful health interventions for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Vaccines can prevent complications and even deaths. Studies show that elderly individuals vaccinated against the flu are significantly less likely to be hospitalized or die. However, vaccines do not offer 100% protection, as their effectiveness depends on factors like the patient’s prior health and any pre-existing conditions. Everybody has different immune systems from a stronger to a weaker one. For example, individuals with autoimmune diseases, receiving vaccinations can cause death or worsen their health conditions because they are injecting a weaker version of that disease. Their body wouldn’t be able to fight off the weaker version of a disease as it is already attacking their immune system. In some cases, vaccinations can be a risk for adverse reactions. Some may have allergic reactions, fever, or seizures from the ingredients Therefore, vaccines are best used on people who have a stronger immune system to avoid complications. Although those benefits may seem tempting or the risks might seem scary, careful analysis of individual factors is key to determining what is best for you or your child.
It is important to remember the sheer amount of scientific rigor and testing that vaccines are put through. If the worry stems from a lack of faith in testing, rest assured that the international scientific community conducts extensive research and testing before approval. The decision to get a vaccine can be challenging and depends on unique circumstances. However, it is always a good idea to do your research, weigh the benefits and risks of getting that vaccine, and reach out to your physician to address any concerns. Remember to have faith in both your knowledge of your personal circumstances and in the rigor of the medical institutions around you.
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“Benefits and Risks of Vaccines.” Benefits and Risks of Vaccines | South Carolina
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