Vaccination is one of the most important advances in modern medicine. It is the most effective way for us to prevent infectious diseases and protect lives. Vaccines have been in use for more than a century – and today they are safer, more effective and continually improved. New vaccines are also being researched all the time to protect us more comprehensively.
Because vaccines control disease so well, many illnesses that were once very dangerous are now rare. This, however, leads some people to believe that vaccination is no longer necessary. On top of that, a good deal of misinformation and conspiracy theory about vaccines circulates on social media – usually from anti-vaccination groups with no scientific basis whatsoever. This false information worries many parents, leading them to delay or avoid having their children vaccinated.
When large numbers of people are not vaccinated, the risk of outbreaks returning is very high. In Vietnam, for example, a recent measles outbreak left tens of thousands of children and adults infected. Many had to be admitted to hospital and, sadly, some did not survive – even though measles can be entirely prevented by vaccination.
In the articles to follow, I will explain each of the childhood vaccines in more detail, why we should have them and how vaccines protect the people we love.
Wishing you and your family good health!
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