The topic of vaccination has always generated an endless debate. What was once thought a life-saving marvel of modern technology is now occasionally viewed with doubt. There are many today who choose to not get vaccinated amid all this mistrust. It is a well known fact that many infectious diseases have been controlled or eradicated, the most well known amidst them being POLIO, thanks to vaccines. and we certainly need to ponder whether the benefits of vaccination outweigh its alleged risks.
Its been estimated that Vaccination helps to avert about 2 to 3 million deaths every year. It is the process in which a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease by help of Vaccines, which help stimulate the body’s immune system. Vaccination is also a cost-effective health investment,which if not done can cripple the health care system of any country, it does not require any changes to lifestyle, and can be made accessible in the remotest areas.
Unvaccinated children are three to six times at risk of dying before their fifth birthday, which makes vaccines the most cost-effective public health intervention to prevent disease and death.
India has the highest number of unvaccinated children in the world, with 89 lakh children not receiving all vaccines and 17 lakh not getting vaccinated at all. Till 2014, only 65% children were fully immunised, measured as having been given three doses of the DPT or pantavalent vaccine (against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and haemophilus influenza type b), till the age of 2.
Let us look at some myths and facts surrounding vaccination
Diseases can be prevented through improved hygiene and sanitation. Vaccines are not necessary.
While hygienic habits and healthy living conditions can definitely help against infectious diseases, there are infections which spread despite maintaining hygiene and cleanliness. And Vaccination helps in avoiding these infections.
This statement is therefore a myth
Vaccination can even lead to Death
This statement may be partially true. Vaccination is mostly safe and is generally followed by a sore arm or mild fever which subsides soon. In very rare cases, children may develop neurological symptoms, seizures, and high fevers few days post vaccination.
However, such side effects occur very rarely, and are monitored and investigated by doctors.
A child can get a disease even after vaccination
This may happen in rare cases. Vaccination is given to provide immunity. In a small percentage,however the person may fail to develop complete immunity. In that cases, the doctor may need to administer an additional dose to stimulate an immune response. There are times when the person may get exposed to a certain infection before being vaccinated. In such cases, the symptoms can develop before the vaccine gets to work.!
Natural immunity is better
This may not always be true. Leaving a child to natural immunity is like taking a chance and increases the risk of complications, which is not the case with vaccination. Vaccines initiates an immune response in the body which is similar to the response produced by a natural infection, and they activate defence mechanism in body. However, they do not put a person under risk of potential complications and hence are a better option always. Sometimes, leaving a person or child to develop natural immunity can lead to dangerous results.
For example, In polio infection can cause permanent paralysis.
Vaccines can cause autism