Introduction: Side Effects and Problems of Vaccine
Side effects and problems of vaccine vary, but it’s important to note that the majority are mild and temporary, serving as a small trade-off for the significant benefits they provide in preventing and controlling infectious diseases. A vaccine is, in fact, comprised of the same microbes or microorganisms that cause the disease for which it is used or prescribed. These microbes or microorganisms are then either killed or weakened to an extent that they induce the relevant disease in a very mild form, but do not harm the person injected with those germs. This process of injecting the same germs of a disease into a prospective patient is called vaccination.
When these germs enter the body of a person, their immune system starts defending the body against them by launching an attack. In this effort, the body creates resistance to that disease. The next time these microbes attempt to enter the body, the immune system resists them fiercely, guided by a previous experience. Dr. Mandal explains that a vaccine is not a medicine but a defense mechanism of the body that can be “administered through needle injections, by mouth, or by aerosol,” such as those used for different allergies (Mandal, 2015).
Although vaccines are generally considered harmless, some, such as the HPV vaccine, have adverse effects. The HPV vaccine not only causes severe side effects leading to medical complications but also results in permanent health issues for some individuals.
HPV, Side Effects, and Problems of Vaccine
Since its introduction to the market, the HPV vaccine has been associated with severe side effects, many of which were previously unknown a few years ago. Some of these effects are reported to be so severe that they are deemed fatal in several cases. Fiona Gartland highlighted these concerns in her report published in the Irish Times on May 22, 2015. The report, titled “HPV Vaccine Support Group Concerned at Side Effects,” discusses the formation of a support group in response to these issues. Gartland quotes their findings on two teenagers, Laura and Kelly, who are experiencing various side effects from the HPV vaccination, including “headaches, excessive fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, gastrointestinal discomfort, nerve-related pain, sleep disruption, and light sensitivity.” Their mother established this support group to raise awareness about the potential side effects of the HPV vaccine (Gartland, 2015). This raises questions about the overall effectiveness of the HPV vaccine compared to other vaccines.
Side Effects and Problems of Vaccine
There are additional medical complications associated with the HPV vaccine, including the finding that it may lead to multiple sclerosis in its severe form. Confavreax et al. discussed this in their paper titled “Vaccinations And The Risk Of Relapse In Multiple Sclerosis,” where they reviewed commonly administered vaccinations and highlighted severe medical complications they can cause. They specifically highlighted the case of the HPV vaccine as very serious. According to their conclusion, it causes only 0.71 percent of medical complications connected to relapse or multiple sclerosis (Confavreax et al., 2001, pp. 319-324). While it is possible that some cases have reported very severe relapses, overall, the medical complications associated with the HPV vaccine appear to be on a relatively minor scale. However, it is important to address these complications promptly in the initial phase to prevent them from escalating into more serious issues.
Health Issues: Side Effects and Problems of Vaccine
Concerning permanent health issues, the case reported by Fiona Gartland about the issues caused by the HPV vaccine serves as an eye-opener. It suggests that while new vaccines are developed to cure diseases, they can have fatal consequences in some cases, leading to lasting health problems. A similar scenario unfolded in 2013, where parents, as reported by Michelle Castillo, expressed concerns about the use of HPV vaccines. Referring to a well-known pediatrician, Castillo reported instances of fainting immediately after vaccination and an increase in blood clots in the lungs compared to young women around the same age. This alarming situation resulted in a reduction in the number of teenagers opting for vaccination. It underscores that HPV vaccines have several side effects and, in some cases, can lead to permanent complications.
Conclusion: Side Effects and Problems of Vaccine
In short, while vaccines have been successful in eradicating numerous diseases, turning them into things of the past, some vaccines, like the HPV vaccine in this case, have been associated with mild to severe reactions and medical complications. These reactions and complications, at times, have proven to be minor, but in other instances, they have been very serious, resulting in long-term medical issues. Consequently, the newer generation is cautious about the potential consequences and outcomes of vaccinations recommended for diseases such as HPV and Hepatitis C. Even in cases where the side effects are mild, there is a consensus that they may lead to long-term complications and medical issues for patients.
References: Side Effects and Problems of Vaccine
- Castillo, M. (2013, March 13). Side effect fears stop parents from getting HPV vaccine for daughters. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from CBS News: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/side-effect-fears-stop-parents-from-getting-hpv-vaccine-for-daughters/
- Confavreax, C. e. (2001, February 01). Vaccinations and the Risk of Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis . The New England Journal of Medicine, 344(5), 319-324.
- Gartland, F. (2015, May 22). HPV vaccine support group concerned at side-effects. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from Irish Times: http://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/hpv-vaccine-support-group-concerned-at-side-effects-1.2221556
- Mandal, A. (2015, May 13). What are Vaccines. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from News Medical: http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Vaccines.aspx
Relevant Questions About Side Effects and Problems of Vaccine
- What are the common and uncommon side effects associated with [specific vaccine] and how does the medical community monitor and manage these side effects?
- Can you elaborate on the long-term safety considerations of vaccines and how ongoing research and surveillance contribute to understanding and addressing potential medical problems?
- How do healthcare professionals distinguish between typical vaccine side effects and signs of a more serious adverse reaction, and what protocols are in place to promptly address and report such instances to ensure public safety?