The anti-vax movement has grown in the past several years, especially as parents are worried about the possibility of putting harmful chemicals in their children. The World Health Organization writes about several misconceptions currently being spread about vaccines that could potentially harm thousands of people. One common misconception is that vaccines can be harmful and can cause sickness and death in certain cases. However, the WHO states that vaccines are incredibly safe, and sickness that occurs after a vaccination is normally short and minor, if it even occurs at all. Additionally, the WHO says that so few deaths occur from immunizations that it is hard to put a statistic to its occurrence. People who are against vaccinations believe that many who get disease have been vaccinated for that disease. The WHO states that these claims are simply not true as certain vaccines, like the MMR vaccination, are up to 98% effective. Though immunizations can never be 100% effective, most received in childhood are 85% to 95% effective.
Many parents who were once anti-vaxxers now regret their decisions as their children become infected with preventable diseases. In an article by Brandy Zadrozny, she tells of a mom who listened to the “Stop Mandatory Vaccination” online group rather than medical advice when her son came down with the flu. Because of this group, the mom did not pick up her son’s prescribed Tamiflu and instead followed advice of anti-vaxxers to use Vitamin C and breastmilk instead. The mother also stated that she had not vaccinated her kids for the flu since 2017. Because of misconceptions and lies spread by anti-vaxxers the 4-year-old died after running a high fever and having a seizure. Thus, the mother could have easily saved the life of her child if she had listened to the advice of her doctor.
It is absolutely imperative that everyone who can be vaccinated, be vaccinated. Not only will it protect you, but it will protect others around you. Additionally, it helps with herd immunity where resistance to a specific disease increases if most of the population has been vaccinated. Then, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised people who cannot receive vaccines will still be protected. Though I believe freedom of speech is of utmost importance, I think there should be serious legal repercussions for anti-vaxxers spreading lies around the internet. They have little to no scientific evidence supporting their stance, and they are going to hurt more people than help, especially as vaccines are incredibly helpful in preventing disease. I believe vaccinations should be greatly considered before being refused, and that anti-vaxxer groups should face serious repercussions for any lies and misconceptions they spread.
Micro Madness 