Well, this topic is critical to some individuals, but it is best to understand the importance of vaccination and forget the conspiracies surrounding its concept. Vaccines are crucial in protecting, preventing, and controlling infectious diseases. They are a protective measure for individuals against diseases and infections. For many to choose not to believe in vaccination is a thing that baffles me. Anyway, they comprehend vaccination; hence, such people cannot be forced, but they can be enlightened.
I have heard a lot about vaccination but my understanding is far beyond why people speak against it. Let's look at the olden days when there was no science discovery, stillbirth were so rampant to the extent that people believed it was as a result of witches and wizard killing their children 🤔 If they have the understanding of compatibility of blood group, genotype and rhesus factor, maybe they could have worked towards its prevention to avoid loss and other experiences.
Vaccines play a critical role in halting the spread of diseases throughout our communities, creating a safer environment for everyone. I recalled my stay at Bauchi state during my service year, the first day at the camp, corpers were fainting on the parade ground, the second day again and the sick bay were filled to the point of no more space until they came to give all of us a vaccine to meningitis, nobody rejected it becaus we all saw what was happening and we didn't know the cause. The vaccine prevented it and nobody fainted again till we left the camp. This is to tell us not to criticize what we don't know.
Another one was the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed countless lives across the globe. Despite the swift introduction of vaccines to prevent this outbreak, and to reduce the transmission rates to the point of saving lives, some individuals find it difficult to believe it was a game-changer in the fight against this devastating virus. The way everyone was avoiding the vaccines will. Make you object too, but it never moved me, and at the same time, I won't blame people who are objecting. It could be personal reasons, mindset, conspiracy, and so on. However, there should be everytime awareness.
What are the craziest theories you've heard about getting vaccinated?
I think fear has overshadowed the importance of vaccination to the point that many people believe vaccination causes Autism and other health challenges. Some even believe it contains harmful substances. Some even said it can prevent one from getting pregnant 🤔
Do you take vaccinations seriously?
The answer is a capital YES. Seriously, we don't joke about vaccines in my house. I am a public servant, and the more I am outside to face students and the public, I am prone to anything infectious, but with me being vaccinated, I am free to some extent. It would have been unwise and irresponsible not to protect ourselves and those we serve. Protect yourself!
As a nursing mother, I ensured my children received all vaccines recommended for their age group, from 0 to 5 years. These included BCG, Polio, HPV, Vitamin A, PCV, Yellow fever, Measles, IPV, and others. I made sure I attended all the immunization appointments, and I am proud to say it really did help because my children rarely fall ill, and I often received commendations from nurses that I gave them full immunization because I won't stop until they are five years old. I did Family planning because I wanted to space my children and also minimize childbearing. Nothing stops me from being vaccinated.
Vaccines have saved countless lives and prevented widespread outbreaks of diseases. Don't conspire against what you don't have the knowledge of.
My entry to the #hivelearners weekly prompt on the topic: Vaccination.
The images are sourced