Superstitions aside, Vaccines are life-safer

Based on my understanding of the topic, Vaccines are vital in preventing and controlling infectious diseases. They serve as a protective shield for individuals against various illnesses and common infections, and their importance extends far beyond personal protection. Vaccines play a critical role in halting the spread of diseases throughout our communities, creating a safer environment for everyone. Take, for example, the Ebola outbreak, Lassa fever caused by rats, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed countless lives across the globe. However, the swift introduction of vaccines was a game-changer in the fight against this devastating virus, which effectively reduced the transmission rates of these diseases, thereby saving lives. While many embraced the vaccine as a means of safeguarding themselves and their loved ones, some chose to reject it, stating personal reasons or concerns, I will call it the fear of the unknown 🤔

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My husband and I made the decision to get vaccinated, knowing full well the responsibilities that come with being front-line workers who interact daily with students and the public. It would have been unwise—and perhaps irresponsible not to protect ourselves and those we serve. Protect yourself! Check the rate at which stillbirths were rampant in those days due to couples who are not blood-related type getting married and lacking the knowledge of taking a certain injection after giving birth for prevention and they still won't go for antenatal🤔 We need to be informed!

Reflecting on my own experiences, I recall a time when I served in the northern part of my country. Just two days into our camp, a concerning situation developed: many individuals were collapsing on the parade ground, and the sick bay quickly filled due to an outbreak of meningitis. Fortunately, the health authorities responded promptly by vaccinating all campers, to curb the risk of further infections. From that point forward, there were no additional cases, attesting to the power of vaccines in preventing outbreaks. You can't know where exactly the shoes pinches except you are in the shoes🤔

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This brings me to a pressing question: Why do some people hesitate or outright refuse to be vaccinated? Though some may have genuine concerns rooted in health or personal beliefs, it is essential to acknowledge that vaccines are not only good but life-saving for everyone. 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. We diligently attended 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 regarding my dedication.

It is disheartening to see many parents stop vaccinations after just a year or even forgo them entirely. Some may feel scared by the risks they perceive, while others may simply lack adequate information about the importance of vaccines. Misinformation plays a specific role in driving people away, many individuals harbor fears about potential health challenges that
could emerge from vaccinations, overlooking the fact that vaccines are lifesavers. We must be careful not to allow fear to overshadow the importance of vaccination.

Thanks to science, the discovery of vaccines has helped prevent us from being infected and also halt the spread of diseases to our friends, family, and loved ones.

This post is in response to the #scifimultiverse community contest on the topic: Science of Vaccine

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