In recent months, the outbreaks of measles y hepatitis A They have turned on Health alerts in different parts of the world. These diseases, which until very recently seemed to be under control, thanks to immunization programs, today They resurface as a direct consequence of the fall in vaccination coverage. This reality forces us to reflect on priorities in health prevention and the importance of claiming vaccines as an essential resource to protect communities from totally preventable diseases.
Vaccines have undoubtedly been one of the most effective tools in public health history. They have allowed the drastic reduction of polyomyelitis and control of diseases such as measles, diphtheria and hepatitis A, among others. However, in recent years a decrease in vaccination rates has been observed, attributed to various factors: from difficulties in access to the impact of misinformation on societies that have forgotten the ravages that these diseases can cause.
Measles, for example, is a highly contagious disease that can have serious complications, especially in children and immunocompromised people. The World Health Organization He has warned that in order to achieve collective immunity against measles, it is necessary to vaccinate approximately 95% of a population. Similarly, hepatitis A, which is transmitted by contaminated food or water consumption, can generate important health problems and affect productivity in entire communities when propagating.
The reasons behind the decrease in vaccination are multiple, but the truth is that the lack of coverage not only puts those who do not receive the vaccine at risk, but also to the whole society. The so -called collective immunity depends on a sufficient proportion of the population being vaccinated to stop the circulation of viruses. When that threshold decreases, even slightly, highly contagious diseases such as measles or polyomyelitis find fertile ground to spread.
Faced with this scenario, it is key to reinforce both access and communication around vaccines. Health systems must ensure their availability in all sectors of the population, eliminating economic and logistics barriers. At the same time, it is essential to intensify awareness campaigns to counteract misinformation and remember that vaccinating is not only an act of individual protection, but also a collective commitment to public health.
It is important to note that vaccines are safe and reliable. So, the safety of vaccines is a fundamental aspect in public health, backed by a rigorous development and evaluation process. Before being approved, vaccines go through several phases of clinical trials that evaluate their safety and efficiency, and are reviewed by international health authorities such as FDA (Food & Drug Administration) or EMA (European Medicines Agency) and nationals such as ANMAT (National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technology). Once approved, they continue to be monitored to detect any adverse event. Although minor adverse events may occur, the benefits they contribute are significantly higher.
In addition to protecting individuals, vaccination contributes to collective immunity, safeguarding those who cannot be vaccinated, as people with certain health conditions. The scientific evidence supports the safety and efficacy of vaccines, and it is crucial that the population receives clear and precise information to make informed decisions about their health. Vaccination is an act of collective responsibility that benefits the entire community. For more information on vaccine safety, you can consult sources such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
History shows us that vaccination has been a fundamental tool in the fight against numerous diseases. Inaction can make us lose the achievements. The health of future generations depends on the decisions we make today.
Infectologist of the MSD Argentina Medical Department
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