Vaccination is a vital pillar of public health. It prevents the spread of infectious diseases protecting people from harmful illnesses. Vaccaries have eradicated or significantly reduced prevalent diseases such as polio and smallpox. Vaccination remains vital in preventing outbreaks, especially for highly contagious diseases like measles and COVID-19. Elevated vaccination rates within populations are crucial in upholding the principle of herd immunity, hence protecting individuals who cannot receive vaccinations due to specific medical conditions or compromised immune systems. This paper explores vaccines and their benefits and drawbacks. It also examines the steps of creating vaccines and a psychological factor that can influence a reluctant decision of an individual to get a smallpox vaccination. Graph analysis about vaccines, efficacy, and infection rates is also discussed.
Vaccines are critical medical tools designed to protect people from infectious diseases. They protect individuals by stimulating their immune systems to recognize and defend against specific pathogens (Casares, 2022). Vaccines contain disease-causing, weakened, inactivated agents or components that mimic without causing severe illnesses. Upon administration, vaccinations stimulate the immune system to generate antibodies and memory cells, establishing a heightened ability to promptly combat subsequent infections, thereby efficaciously impeding the progression and transmission of the disease (Casares, 2022). One benefit of vaccinating is that it prevents serious illnesses and potentially devastating consequences. They have played a vital role in eradicating or reducing the prevalence of infectious diseases worldwide, contributing to a significant decline in mortality and morbidity rates. However, there are drawbacks to being vaccinated. The risk of adverse side effects is one drawback of getting a vaccine. Some people experience allergic reactions or rare, more severe complications, even though most reactions are mild and temporary (Casares, 2022). These unfavorable incidents can evoke apprehension among certain individuals, particularly populations, which has sometimes resulted in a reluctance to receive vaccines.
There are various steps involved in the creation of a vaccine. The first step is research and discovery, where scientists explore potential vaccine ideas and laboratory research is conducted (“Vaccine testing and approval process,” 2023). The second step is proof of concept, where the vaccine is tested on small animals, such as mice, to assess its ability to trigger immune systems and make adjustments if needed. The third step is testing vaccines, beginning with three phases of human trial. The first phase has between 20-100 people, the second phase expands to hundreds of participants, and the third face involves 1000-3000 to confirm efficacy, monitor side effects, and collect data to support safe usage. The fourth step involves manufacturing, where the proposed vaccine is inspected for reliability and consistency (“Vaccine testing and approval process,” 2023). In the fifth step, a Biological License Application (BLA) is submitted to the FDA, containing clinical trial data, manufacturing details, and facility information, where the data is reviewed the data to approve the vaccine (“Vaccine testing and approval process,” 2023). The sixth step involves the vaccine’s safety, efficacy, and public health benefit evaluation by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The vaccine use is recommended once the CDC director approves (“Vaccine testing and approval process,” 2023). The seventh step is monitoring the vaccine’s safety after approval using systems such as VAERS, VSD, and CISA to ensure ongoing success and identify any potential issues (“Vaccine testing and approval process,” 2023).
The “optimism bias” phenomenon is a psychological factor that might impact an individual’s decision-making process regarding the choice to receive vaccination against smallpox (Lee, 2022). The concept of optimism bias pertains to a cognitive bias observed in individuals, wherein they tend to believe that their likelihood of encountering challenging occurrences is comparatively lower than that of others. In the context of smallpox vaccination, some people may view themselves as less vulnerable to contracting it or believe they are unlikely to have severe consequences (Lee, 2022). The bias leads to individuals underestimating the risks associated with smallpox and overestimating their ability to avoid and cope with its effects (Lee, 2022). This results in downplaying vaccination’s importance as a protective measure and assumptions that the disease is not a threat to them.
From the graph, the administration of measles vaccination is of utmost importance for children because of its exceptionally high level of contagiousness, characterized by an infection rate of 90%. The disease is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through communities, especially among individuals without vaccines. From the graph, the MMR vaccine has an efficacy rate of 65%, significantly reducing the risk of contracting measles and helping achieve herd immunity (Lee, 2022). Additionally, the graph highlights the importance of getting vaccinated for COVID-19. With an efficacy rate of around 92%, the Pfizer vaccine offers substantial protection against the virus, with a relatively high infection rate of 65%. It is, therefore, essential to be vaccinated to reduce the risk of infection, severe illness, and death and control the spread of the virus (Casares, 2022). Furthermore, there are different reasons why a flu shot is considered optional for many. The virus has an efficacy rate of 50% which is lower compared to other vaccines, and it also undergoes frequent mutations, which lead to different strains each season (Casares, 2022). However, the vaccine is recommended for groups with a high risk, such as the elderly and individuals with underlying health conditions to reduce the flu’s severity and its impact on healthcare systems.
In conclusion, vaccines safeguard public health by preventing infectious diseases. The risk of adverse side effects is one of the drawbacks of vaccination despite its numerous benefits. Creating vaccines involves rigorous research, testing, and evaluation to ensure safety and efficacy. Optimism bias is a psychological factor that can influence an individual’s decision to receive vaccination impacting public health outcomes. The graph analysis underscores the importance of vaccines, especially for highly contagious diseases like measles and COVID-19. While flu shots may be optional for some, they remain essential for vulnerable groups.
References
Casares, W. (2022). Vaccine risks & benefits. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Weighing-the-Risks-and-Benefits.aspx
Lee, A. Y. (2022, February 2). Psychological factors—More than demographics—Drive vaccine behavior. Kellogg Insight. https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/psychological-factors-drive-vaccine-behavior
Vaccine testing and approval process. (2023, March 30). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/basics/test-approve.html
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