Getting vaccinated is controversial, it always has been. But with the pandemic we are all living in, vaccination is once again at the forefront of our national as scientists race to find a vaccine for Covid-19. Vaccinations are known to be one of the greatest medical advancements by doctors and scientists, but not everyone is convinced. Some are still concerned about the consequences of getting vaccinated.
To understand the controversy behind vaccinations, you need to first understand what a vaccine does and how it works.
“A vaccine is a type of medicine that trains the body’s immune system so that it can fight a disease it has not come into contact with before. Vaccines are designed to prevent disease, rather than treat a disease once you have caught it.” (Vaccine Knowledge Project)
What are the reasons to be anti-vaccine when the rewards seem so high? What is the science behind vaccinations? Why is it so important to those who are in favor of vaccination that everyone is vaccinated wether they believe in it or not?
First, let's understand the origins of being anti-vaccine.
Those in favor of vaccination can tend to view those who are against to also be against science. With so much evidence that proves the rewards of vaccines, they can find it silly to ignore science. But there are reasons why so many are against vaccinations.
To understand why those in favor of vaccination are angry with those who are against vaccines, you need to understand herd immunity.
''Herd immunity is a form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population has become immune to an infection, whether through vaccination or previous infections, thereby reducing the likelihood of infection for individuals who lack immunity.''
(Wikipedia)
For herd immunity to be ensured, everyone needs to be vaccinated. This is where the controversy really stems from, the need of the many verses the need of the one.
Are you decidedly for or against vaccination? Have you come to your own conclusion yet?
I highly recommend watching the next video to see a real debate between both sides.
Sources-
Vaccine Knowledge Project
What is a vaccine, and how do vaccines work?
Healthline
Understanding Opposition to Vaccines
Healthline
Everything You Need to Know About Vaccinations
NCBI
Exploring the Reasons Behind Parental Refusal of Vaccines
For main cover image-
Hospital News
The Vaccine Controversy