Vaccines are a hot topic of debate right now with the COVID-19 vaccine being rolled out across the world and the UK leading the charge when it comes to vaccination rates. You may think that having a vaccine only really affects you and those around you, however, by getting the vaccines offered to you throughout your lifetime, you are actually helping to save lives globally.
If you are wondering how, read on to find out more.
Getting vaccinated reduces the spread of disease
The most important way that vaccines can help save lives around the world is by reducing the spread of disease. Not only can a vaccination mean that if you are to catch a virus or disease that it is less likely to affect you as severely (or at all), but vaccines also reduce disease transmission rates, meaning carriers are less likely to pass viruses on and so others are less likely to pick them up in the first place.
One thing we’ve seen in action during COVID-19 that we’ve not seen before is just how quickly a virus is able to spread in the modern-day environment, with travel so easily accessible, before we knew it, an issue that only China was facing locked down the whole world.
For those in parts of the world where access to healthcare and vaccination programmes aren’t as easy to come by or utilise, relying on those who travel and move freely to get vaccinated is something they have no option but to do.
A vaccine reduces the need for medical intervention
Another amazing thing that vaccinations do is reduce the need for medical intervention. Not only can vaccines reduce the spread of disease, by they can reduce the effects of disease should you catch it. By preventing diseases presenting major symptoms and side effects, fewer people need to use vital healthcare facilities, relieving pressure from them and meaning they are able to help others in the community who need them most.
In lower-income countries, medical care isn’t something people can take for granted and often it can be a long journey and sacrifice to get medical intervention when people need it most, an experience that is worsened by an emergency or virus outbreak. However, when people are protected against severe symptoms, many won’t need to make that journey or sacrifice, meaning that those who do won’t face life-threatening delays.