In an era before vaccines were widely available, infectious diseases like polio and measles claimed countless lives and left many with lasting disabilities. Over the decades, vaccinations played a pivotal role in nearly eliminating these threats, saving millions and preventing lifelong health complications.
However, as vaccine hesitancy grows, these once-controlled diseases are reemerging. The drop in immunization rates, driven by misinformation and public skepticism, has opened the door for preventable illnesses to return. According to Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, part of the reason for this hesitancy is the success of the vaccines themselves: “If people haven’t seen the damage these diseases can cause, they may underestimate the value of immunization.”
Some individuals still live with the consequences of preventable diseases. Janith Farnham contracted rubella during pregnancy, before a vaccine was available, which led to her daughter Jacque being born with congenital rubella syndrome. Jacque, now 60, has faced hearing and vision impairments, heart complications, diabetes, and other health challenges throughout her life. Despite the adversity, her warmth and humor shine through, Janith says. Still, she finds it frustrating when people choose to skip vaccines like the MMR, knowing firsthand the lifelong impact that such diseases can have.
“I’ve seen what can happen,” Janith shared. “I don’t want another family to go through this.”
As society debates vaccines, real-life stories serve as powerful reminders of their purpose, not just to protect individuals but to safeguard future generations from suffering that should no longer exist.
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Source: NBC NEWS, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
