After two long years of Covid 19 and its difficulties world is getting back to normalcy. Covid vaccines are the most important weapon which helped the human kind to defeat this virus which bought the entire world to a halt. Similarly, there are several instances when vaccines came to the rescue of mankind.
Recognising the significance of immunization, world health organization observes the last week of April as world immunization week every year. It aims to highlight the need for collective action to promote the use of vaccine. The theme for this year is “Life for all”. On this instance, let us learn more about vaccines:
What are vaccines?
A vaccine is a biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease. A vaccine typically contains an agent that resembles a disease-causing microorganism and is often made from weakened or killed forms of the microbe, its toxins, or one of its surface proteins. The agent stimulates the body’s immune system to recognize the agent as a threat, destroy it, and to further recognize and destroy any of the microorganisms associated with that agent that it may encounter in the future.
The administration of vaccines is called vaccination. Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing infectious diseases widespread immunity due to vaccination is largely responsible for the worldwide eradication of smallpox and the restriction of diseases such as polio, measles, and tetanus from much of the world.
Even though vaccines have got all these positives many are still hesitant to get vaccinated. This is termed as vaccine hesitancy. The major reasons are:
- Lack of confidence
Most of the times people will show hesitancy towards vaccine if they are not confident about the manufacturers. In order to solve this issue, the government has to ensure the general public about the reliability of vaccines.
- Lack of sufficient testing
In some cases, vaccines may not be pre tested sufficiently before administering to the general public. In such instances government has to clarify regarding the surety of vaccines.
- Illiteracy
Lack of knowledge among people also act as a barrier to vaccination drives. Due to ignorance people will not give importance to vaccine.
- Religious and cultural beliefs
Some religions lay down restrictions to their followers in case of immunization. As a part of cultural or religious beliefs there exists some inherent resistance towards vaccination
- Lack of access
Inaccessibility to vaccines also restricts vaccination process. Lack of health care services and facilities in remote areas prevents vaccination.
- Inconvenience
Sometimes the long process and follow ups are difficult for people and many people find it inconvenient. In this case people should be made aware of the importance of vaccination. Also, efforts should be made to make the process less tiring.
- Economic barriers
In many cases the vaccines are costly and downtrodden masses are unable to pay the price for vaccines. The government subsidies must be provided properly to solve this issue.
- Future health implications
Some people don’t take vaccines fearing the health impacts in future. Believing the rumours many people fear to take loans.
- Personal beliefs
The inherent beliefs and thoughts May also restrict people from getting vaccinated. Their political inclination and other such factors will affect this process.
Ultimately, it is the duty of general public to educate the hesitant population about the benefits of vaccination. The government should also play significant role in educating people and encouraging research.
So, let us work together and ensure a healthy life for all.
