In today ‘ s society, vaccines play a crucial role in preventing diseases and safeguarding public health. However, the notion that “vaccination has side effects, and it is best not to hit” is spreading among some segments of the population, and it has become a myth that has created unnecessary fear and suspicion about vaccination. Today, we come to examine in depth the errors of this view and to properly understand the side effects of vaccines.
First, the side effects of vaccines are not widespread and are usually minor. Vaccines were subjected to rigorous clinical trials and safety assessments prior to their listing, and the vast majority of people were vaccinated without any side effects. Even if there are side effects, they can be seen in local reactions such as pain, bruises, hard knots, etc., in the injection area, or in a mild whole-body response such as low heat, lack of strength, headache, etc. These reactions generally recede on their own within days and do not have long-term adverse effects on the body. For example, after vaccination against hepatitis B, some people may experience brief pain and slight bruises in the inoculation, which is a normal body immune response to the vaccine, without excessive concern. Moreover, these minor side effects are acceptable compared to the serious harm caused by vaccine-preventable diseases. For example, smallpox was once a serious threat to human health, and through its vaccination, smallpox was eliminated and countless lives were saved. If vaccinations are refused for fear of minor side effects of the vaccine, the consequences will be difficult to envisage if these serious diseases are infected.
Secondly, the side effects of vaccines are manageable. Before vaccinations are administered, medical personnel ask for details about the health status and allergies of the inoculations to determine their suitability. After the vaccination, the inoculations are also required to stay on site for some time in order to detect and address possible adverse reactions in a timely manner. If there are more severe side effects, the doctor will treat them as appropriate, and in the vast majority of cases they can be effectively controlled. In addition, as medical technology continues to improve, the development and production of vaccines is improving, the safety and effectiveness of vaccines are increasing and the incidence of side effects is decreasing.
Moreover, the risk of non-vaccination is much greater than the risk of vaccination. The primary function of vaccines is to prevent disease, to incentivize the human immune system to produce antibodies, and to respond quickly to disease when a genuine pathogens invade. Without vaccination, the human body lacks immunity against the corresponding disease, and once exposed to the pathogens, it is vulnerable to infection and may even cause serious complications that endanger life. In the case of polio, for example, many children were paralysed by the infection of the polio virus, placing a heavy burden on their families and societies prior to widespread vaccination. By vaccination against polio, the incidence of the disease has been significantly reduced.
Finally, vaccinations are particularly important for specific populations. For example, older persons, children, people with chronic diseases, among others, are relatively less immune and more vulnerable to diseases, and vaccinations can provide them with additional protection. For pregnant women, while more caution is needed in vaccinations, specific vaccines, such as influenza, are safe during pregnancy and protect the health of pregnant women and the foetus.
In any case, the notion that “vaccination has side effects, and it is best not to hit” is totally wrong. Vaccines are one of the most effective and economical means of preventing disease, and their benefits are far greater than the possible side effects. We should believe in science, properly understand the role and side effects of vaccines, proactively immunize and build a solid line of defence for ourselves and others ‘ health.
