The Side Effects of Vaccines - How High is the Risk?

Summary

This script addresses the critical role of vaccines in protecting against diseases, countering the misconception that they are harmful. It explains how vaccines stimulate the immune system to create memory cells, providing long-term immunity without the risks of actual infections. The script debunks the link between vaccines and autism and emphasizes the safety of vaccines compared to the devastating effects of preventable diseases like measles. It concludes by highlighting the importance of herd immunity and the need for widespread vaccination to protect those who cannot be vaccinated.

Takeaways

• 💉 Vaccines are crucial in combating diseases and have saved countless lives by stimulating the immune system to produce memory cells that provide long-term protection.
• 🧬 The immune system is a complex network of cells that work together to protect the body from harmful pathogens, including soldiers, intelligence cells, and antibody-producing factories.
• 🛡 Memory cells are a key component of the immune system, lying dormant until the same pathogen is encountered again, at which point they rapidly initiate a defense.
• 👶 Children are more susceptible to illnesses as they have fewer memory cells compared to adults, making vaccines especially important for their health.
• 🔬 Vaccines work by mimicking dangerous infections without causing the disease, tricking the body into creating memory cells and providing immunity.
• ⚠️ While vaccines can have side effects, they are generally mild and far less severe than the diseases they prevent.
• 🌐 Herd immunity is a critical concept where a large percentage of the population is vaccinated to protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants or immunocompromised individuals.
• 🚫 The anti-vaccine movement, based on misinformation and anecdotal evidence, poses a significant risk, leading to preventable disease outbreaks and endangering public health.
• 🏥 The measles vaccine, introduced in 1963, has drastically reduced cases and deaths, highlighting the effectiveness of vaccines in controlling infectious diseases.
• ❌ The myth linking vaccines to autism has been debunked by numerous studies, and there is a scientific consensus that vaccines do not cause autism.

Q & A

What is the primary function of vaccines?

Vaccines primarily function by tricking our bodies into making memory cells, which helps us become immune to certain diseases without having to suffer through the actual diseases.

How do memory cells in our immune system contribute to long-term immunity?

Memory cells remain in our body for years, remembering pathogens we've previously encountered. Upon a second attack by the same pathogen, these cells quickly activate a coordinated immune response, producing antibodies to neutralize the threat.

What are the two main types of vaccines mentioned in the script?

The two main types of vaccines mentioned are inactivated vaccines, which inject pathogens that can't cause harm, and live vaccines, which use a weakened form of the actual pathogen to stimulate a stronger immune response.

Why do vaccines sometimes cause side effects?

Vaccines can cause side effects because they provoke a natural immune response to prepare the body for future encounters with the disease. These side effects are generally mild and temporary compared to the symptoms of the actual disease.

How does the measles vaccine impact the risk of contracting measles?

The measles vaccine drastically reduces the risk of contracting measles. Before its introduction, nearly every child contracted measles, but widespread vaccination has led to a significant decrease in cases and complications.

What is the concept of herd immunity and why is it important?

Herd immunity is a form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a large percentage of a population becomes immune to the disease, thereby providing a measure of protection for individuals who are not immune. It helps protect those who are not vaccinated or cannot receive vaccines.

What is the significance of the 'thought experiment' regarding measles outbreaks in the script?

The 'thought experiment' illustrates the stark contrast between the potential health outcomes of a measles outbreak in a vaccinated versus an unvaccinated population, highlighting the protective impact of vaccines on both individual and public health.

Why are vaccines considered one of the most powerful tools in eradicating diseases?

Vaccines are considered powerful tools in eradicating diseases because they provide immunity to a large portion of the population, preventing the spread of diseases and eventually leading to their elimination, as seen with smallpox.

What is the stance of the script on the link between vaccines and autism?

The script clearly states that the connection between vaccines and autism has been disproven and that vaccines do not cause autism, aligning with the scientific consensus on this issue.

How does the script address the debate surrounding vaccines?

The script addresses the debate by emphasizing the importance of evidence-based arguments and the dangers of misinformation. It points out that vaccines have saved countless lives and are crucial for preventing the resurgence of deadly diseases.

Outlines

00:00

💉 Understanding Vaccines and Their Benefits

The paragraph discusses the critical role of vaccines in combating diseases and dispelling misconceptions about their safety. It explains how vaccines harness the body's immune system to create memory cells, which provide long-term protection against diseases. The narrative contrasts the potential side effects of vaccines with the severe consequences of contracting diseases like measles, emphasizing the importance of vaccines in preventing serious illnesses and deaths.

05:02

🤒 Weighing the Risks: Measles vs. Vaccines

This section delves into a hypothetical scenario comparing the risks of measles infection to those of vaccine side effects. It outlines the potential complications and fatalities associated with measles, including fever, diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, and the rare but fatal SSPE. The paragraph also addresses vaccine side effects, such as fever and rash, and underscores the relative safety and efficacy of vaccines in preventing measles. It dismantles the myth linking vaccines to autism and highlights the minuscule risk of serious vaccine reactions compared to the devastating effects of the disease.

10:05

🚫 The Dangers of Anti-Vaccine Sentiment

The final paragraph warns of the dire consequences of the anti-vaccine movement. It highlights how refusing vaccines not only endangers the lives of unvaccinated individuals but also threatens the community's health by potentially reviving preventable diseases. The paragraph stresses the importance of herd immunity, which protects those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants and immunocompromised individuals. It concludes by urging the continuation of vaccination efforts to safeguard public health and prevent a resurgence of deadly diseases.

Keywords

💡Vaccines

Vaccines are biological preparations that provide active acquired immunity to a particular disease. In the video, vaccines are celebrated for their role in fighting diseases and are portrayed as a crucial tool in preventing serious illnesses. They work by introducing a weakened or inactivated form of a disease-causing agent to stimulate the body's immune system to produce memory cells that recognize and fight the pathogen in the future.

💡Immune System

The immune system is the body's defense mechanism against harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders. The video describes it as a complex army of cells, including soldiers (white blood cells), intelligence cells (which identify pathogens), and weapons factories (which produce antibodies). It plays a central role in the context of how vaccines leverage the immune system to provide protection against diseases.

💡Memory Cells

Memory cells are a type of immune cell that 'remembers' a specific pathogen after an initial encounter. Once created, they enable the immune system to mount a faster and more effective response upon subsequent exposures to the same pathogen. The video emphasizes the importance of memory cells in the mechanism of how vaccines provide long-lasting immunity.

💡Antibodies

Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses. In the script, they are likened to 'targeted missiles' that are produced to combat specific invaders. Antibodies are a critical component of the immune response that vaccines aim to stimulate.

💡Infection

An infection occurs when harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, enter the body and multiply. The video discusses how infections can be serious and lead to the production of memory cells and antibodies by the immune system. Vaccines are presented as a way to prevent infections by preemptively stimulating the immune system.

💡Side Effects

Side effects are unintended consequences or adverse reactions that can result from a medical treatment or intervention, such as vaccination. The video acknowledges that vaccines can have side effects but goes on to compare these with the severe effects of the diseases they prevent, arguing that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.

💡Herd Immunity

Herd immunity, also known as community immunity, occurs when a large percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, either through vaccination or previous infections, thereby providing a measure of protection for individuals who are not immune. The video explains that herd immunity is crucial for protecting those who cannot be vaccinated and emphasizes the importance of vaccination rates in achieving it.

💡Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that was once common but has become rare in many parts of the world due to widespread vaccination. The script uses measles as a case study to illustrate the dangers of not vaccinating and the severe health consequences, including death, that can result from the disease.

💡MMR Vaccine

The MMR vaccine is a combined vaccine that provides protection against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. The video uses the MMR vaccine as an example to discuss the effectiveness of vaccines and to compare the risks of side effects from the vaccine to the risks of getting the diseases themselves.

💡Anti-Vaccine

Anti-vaccine sentiments refer to the opposition to vaccinations, often based on misconceptions or misinformation about their safety and efficacy. The video addresses the dangers of anti-vaccine movements, highlighting how they can lead to the resurgence of preventable diseases and put vulnerable populations at risk.

💡Encephalitis

Encephalitis is a serious condition that involves inflammation of the brain, which can be caused by a viral infection like measles. The video mentions encephalitis as a potential complication of measles and also as a very rare but serious side effect of some vaccines, illustrating the need to weigh the risks of vaccination against the risks of the diseases they prevent.

Highlights

Vaccines are celebrated for their role in fighting disease.

Some people believe vaccines can endanger health rather than protect it.

The internet is full of stories about negative effects following vaccination.

Vaccines can have side effects, but they are generally safe.

The immune system consists of cells that function as soldiers, intelligence, and weapons factories.

Memory cells are created by the immune system to remember and fight off future infections.

Vaccines trick the body into making memory cells without causing the disease.

There are two types of vaccines: those made from dead or weakened pathogens and live vaccines.

Vaccines provoke a natural immune response that can provide long-term protection.

The risk of side effects from vaccines is relatively low compared to the risks of the diseases they prevent.

Measles can cause serious complications and death, especially in children.

Vaccination can nearly eliminate the risk of serious complications from measles.

The MMR vaccine has been shown to not cause autism.

Serious side effects from vaccines are extremely rare.

Herd immunity is crucial for protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.

The debate around vaccines is often unbalanced, with misinformation spreading easily.

Vaccines are essential tools for eradicating diseases and preventing unnecessary deaths.

Transcripts

Vaccines are celebrated for their part in fighting disease.

But, a growing group of people

seem to believe that they endanger our health, instead of protecting it.

The Internet is full of stories about allergic reactions,

the onset of disabilities,

and even death following vaccination appointments.

And, it's true vaccines can have side effects.

Let's look at how they work, and how dangerous they really are.

Your immune system is a complex army of billions of cells.

Soldiers,

intelligence cells,

and weapons factories.

Every day, you're attacked countless times,

but your immune soldiers alone usually deal with that,

so you don't even notice.

If an infection becomes serious though,

our intelligence cells gather intel about the attackers

and activate our weapons factories.

You know the weapon: antibodies.

They're like targeted missiles produced specifically to combat the invader.

Unfortunately, this process takes several days to complete.

That gives intruders a lot of time to do damage.

Contrary to popular wisdom,

what doesn't kill you doesn't make you stronger.

Our bodies really don't want to fight serious wars over and over,

so our immune system came up with an ingenious way

to get stronger and stronger over time.

If we fight an enemy that is dangerous enough to trigger our heavy weapons,

our immune system automatically creates memory cells.

Memory cells remain in our body for years, in a deep sleep.

They do nothing but remember.

When an enemy attacks for a second time,

the slumbering memory cells awaken,

and order coordinated attacks and the production of antibodies.

This is so fast and effective,

that many infections you beat once will never make you sick again.

You might even be immune against them forever.

Which is also why little kids are constantly ill;

they don't have enough memory cells yet.

And this beautiful natural mechanism is what we build on when we use vaccines.

How Vaccines Work

As great as memory cells are,

obtaining them through an infection is unpleasant and sometimes dangerous.

Vaccines are a way of tricking our bodies into making memory cells,

and becoming immune to a disease.

They pretend to be a dangerous infection.

One way of doing this is to inject invaders that can't do harm.

For example, by killing them, or by ripping them into pieces.

Our immune systems deal with these kinds of vaccines pretty easily.

Sometimes, it's necessary to make our immune system work harder though,

to produce even more memory cells.

Live vaccines are the real deal.

An enemy that can punch back is a bigger challenge than a dead one.

But this also sounds like a sort-of horrible idea.

What if the germs win?

To avoid that, we breed a sort-of weak cousin of the real germ in the lab.

Just powerful enough to annoy the immune system, and create enough memory cells.

Okay, so these are the basic principles of vaccine use.

They provoke a natural reaction in our bodies

that makes us become immune against very dangerous diseases.

Some, like the flu virus, mutate so often

that we need a new vaccine every year,

but most vaccines protect us for years, or even a lifetime.

But, there's a catch.

Like everything in life, vaccines have another side:

Side effects.

What are they, and what happens if your child develops one?

The Risks of Vaccines

It's complicated to directly compare the side effects of vaccines with the effects of diseases.

For example,

hundreds of millions of people are vaccinated against measles in the West,

but there were only 83,000 cases in Europe in 2018.

So, with numbers that different, even mild side effects can seem scary

compared to the bad effects of a disease that we don't see as much anymore.

Before the measles vaccine became available in 1963,

virtually every single child on Earth contracted measles at some point.

An estimated 135 million cases in the 1950s.

Every single year.

But are measles really that dangerous in the year 2019?

With our advanced healthcare and new technologies,

are they worth the risk of vaccine side effects?

Let's do a thought experiment based on real numbers.

Imagine a developed country in a parallel world.

It has good healthcare but people stop vaccinating.

In this scenario, let's say ten million children caught measles.

What happens?

Nine million eight hundred thousand, or 98%, will get a high fever and a very unpleasant rash.

Up to 800,000 of them, or 8%, will suffer from dangerous diarrhea.

700,000, or 7%, will suffer from an ear infection, which can lead to permanent hearing loss.

600,000 kids, or 6%, will suffer from pneumonia -- the most dangerous effect of measles.

It, alone, will kill 12,000 children.

Up to 10,000 children, or 0.1%, will get encephalitis.

2,500 kids, or 0.025%, will contract SSPE,

a disease where the measles virus lingers in their brain

and kills them a few years later.

Taken together,

around 2.5 million children will suffer from somewhat serious effects from measles.

And, about 20,000 children will be killed by measles.

It doesn't stop here though.

The kids who beat measles are left with a severely damaged immune system

that needs a lot of time to regenerate.

Time for other diseases to do further damage.

Aside from that, what's almost guaranteed

is that your kids will have a really bad time for about two weeks.

Okay, but what about vaccines?

It's only fair to look at these risks, too.

So, let's repeat our thought experiment.

But, this time, we vaccinate ten million children with MMR.

What would theoretically happen here?

After being vaccinated,

of our 10 million kids, around ten percent get a fever.

500,000, or 5%, will get a mild rash.

Up to 100, or 0.001%,

might have a serious allergic reaction and will have to be treated.

Up to ten boys, or 0.0001%,

might get inflammation of the genitalia.

And up to ten kids in total, or 0.0001%,

might get the most serious side effect: encephalitis.

So, we vaccinated ten million kids.

In total, around one hundred and twenty had side effects that were somewhat serious.

Thanks to good medical treatment in developed regions, almost all of them will be fine.

What about autism?

The connection of autism and vaccines stems from one source

that has been disproven countless times.

We'll link to further reading and videos in the description.

But, in 2019, it's fair to say that vaccines do not cause autism.

All right, but what about deaths?

It's really hard to say if even a single one of our 10 million vaccinated kids would die.

We really did look hard and talked to a lot of different experts.

If we ignore self-reporting,

we could only come up with a tiny handful of documented cases

for all the hundreds of millions of children who received the MMR vaccine since 1971.

Measles are many, many thousands of times more dangerous for your child

than even the absolute worst case of vaccine side effects.

You have to search for lethal vaccine side effects with a huge magnifying glass

and, even then, it's very hard to find confirmed cases.

While, deaths from measles are real and easy to find.

In 2017 alone, 110,000 people died from measles worldwide.

Statistically, today, 300 children will die of measles.

One since this video started.

You can compare vaccines to seatbelts.

Are there weird freak accidents where someone gets killed by their seatbelt?

Well, yes.

But, do you personally think it's safer to not put a seatbelt on your kid?

Wait a second!

What if your kid is actually allergic?

What if none of the things we've said applies to your specific situation?

In this case, you need to become the greatest vaccination promoter of all.

Because if your children can't be vaccinated, only the collective can protect them.

This is called herd immunity,

and it's the only thing that can protect your unvaccinated child.

Herd immunity means that enough people are immune to a disease,

that it can't spread, and dies before it reaches its victims.

But to accomplish this for measles alone,

95% of the people around you need to be vaccinated.

Conclusion

The problem with the debate about vaccines is that it's not fought on a level playing field.

While the pro-vaccine side argues with studies and statistics,

the arguments against them are usually a wild mixture of gut feeling,

anecdotes, and misinformation.

And feelings are often immune to facts.

We'll not convince anybody by screaming at them.

But we can't hide from the reality of what anti-vaccine conspiracies do.

They kill babies too young to be vaccinated.

They kill healthy children that are just unlucky.

They bring serious diseases back from the verge of extinction.

And, the biggest side effect of vaccines is fewer dead children.

Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have

to eradicate the monsters that most of us have already forgotten.

Let's not bring the beasts back!

Vaccines are celebrated for their part in fighting disease.

Vaccines are celebrated for their part in fighting disease.

Vaccines are celebrated for their part in fighting disease.

But, a growing group of people

But, a growing group of people

But, a growing group of people

seem to believe that they endanger our health, instead of protecting it.

seem to believe that they endanger our health, instead of protecting it.

seem to believe that they endanger our health, instead of protecting it.

The Internet is full of stories about allergic reactions,

The Internet is full of stories about allergic reactions,

The Internet is full of stories about allergic reactions,

the onset of disabilities,

the onset of disabilities,

the onset of disabilities,

and even death following vaccination appointments.

and even death following vaccination appointments.

and even death following vaccination appointments.

And, it's true vaccines can have side effects.

And, it's true vaccines can have side effects.

And, it's true vaccines can have side effects.

Let's look at how they work, and how dangerous they really are.

Let's look at how they work, and how dangerous they really are.

Let's look at how they work, and how dangerous they really are.

Your immune system is a complex army of billions of cells.

Your immune system is a complex army of billions of cells.

Your immune system is a complex army of billions of cells.

Soldiers,

Soldiers,

Soldiers,

intelligence cells,

intelligence cells,

intelligence cells,

and weapons factories.

and weapons factories.

and weapons factories.

Every day, you're attacked countless times,

Every day, you're attacked countless times,

Every day, you're attacked countless times,

but your immune soldiers alone usually deal with that,

but your immune soldiers alone usually deal with that,

but your immune soldiers alone usually deal with that,

so you don't even notice.

so you don't even notice.

so you don't even notice.

If an infection becomes serious though,

If an infection becomes serious though,

If an infection becomes serious though,

our intelligence cells gather intel about the attackers

our intelligence cells gather intel about the attackers

our intelligence cells gather intel about the attackers

and activate our weapons factories.

and activate our weapons factories.

and activate our weapons factories.

You know the weapon: antibodies.

You know the weapon: antibodies.

You know the weapon: antibodies.

They're like targeted missiles produced specifically to combat the invader.

They're like targeted missiles produced specifically to combat the invader.

They're like targeted missiles produced specifically to combat the invader.

Unfortunately, this process takes several days to complete.

Unfortunately, this process takes several days to complete.

Unfortunately, this process takes several days to complete.

That gives intruders a lot of time to do damage.

That gives intruders a lot of time to do damage.

That gives intruders a lot of time to do damage.

Contrary to popular wisdom,

Contrary to popular wisdom,

Contrary to popular wisdom,

what doesn't kill you doesn't make you stronger.

what doesn't kill you doesn't make you stronger.

what doesn't kill you doesn't make you stronger.

Our bodies really don't want to fight serious wars over and over,

Our bodies really don't want to fight serious wars over and over,

Our bodies really don't want to fight serious wars over and over,

so our immune system came up with an ingenious way

so our immune system came up with an ingenious way

so our immune system came up with an ingenious way

to get stronger and stronger over time.

to get stronger and stronger over time.

to get stronger and stronger over time.

If we fight an enemy that is dangerous enough to trigger our heavy weapons,

If we fight an enemy that is dangerous enough to trigger our heavy weapons,

If we fight an enemy that is dangerous enough to trigger our heavy weapons,

our immune system automatically creates memory cells.

our immune system automatically creates memory cells.

our immune system automatically creates memory cells.

Memory cells remain in our body for years, in a deep sleep.

Memory cells remain in our body for years, in a deep sleep.

Memory cells remain in our body for years, in a deep sleep.

They do nothing but remember.

They do nothing but remember.

They do nothing but remember.

When an enemy attacks for a second time,

When an enemy attacks for a second time,

When an enemy attacks for a second time,

the slumbering memory cells awaken,

the slumbering memory cells awaken,

the slumbering memory cells awaken,

and order coordinated attacks and the production of antibodies.

and order coordinated attacks and the production of antibodies.

and order coordinated attacks and the production of antibodies.

This is so fast and effective,

This is so fast and effective,

This is so fast and effective,

that many infections you beat once will never make you sick again.

that many infections you beat once will never make you sick again.

that many infections you beat once will never make you sick again.

You might even be immune against them forever.

You might even be immune against them forever.

You might even be immune against them forever.

Which is also why little kids are constantly ill;

Which is also why little kids are constantly ill;

Which is also why little kids are constantly ill;

they don't have enough memory cells yet.

they don't have enough memory cells yet.

they don't have enough memory cells yet.

And this beautiful natural mechanism is what we build on when we use vaccines.

And this beautiful natural mechanism is what we build on when we use vaccines.

And this beautiful natural mechanism is what we build on when we use vaccines.

How Vaccines Work

How Vaccines Work

How Vaccines Work

As great as memory cells are,

As great as memory cells are,

As great as memory cells are,

obtaining them through an infection is unpleasant and sometimes dangerous.

obtaining them through an infection is unpleasant and sometimes dangerous.

obtaining them through an infection is unpleasant and sometimes dangerous.

Vaccines are a way of tricking our bodies into making memory cells,

Vaccines are a way of tricking our bodies into making memory cells,

Vaccines are a way of tricking our bodies into making memory cells,

and becoming immune to a disease.

and becoming immune to a disease.

and becoming immune to a disease.

They pretend to be a dangerous infection.

They pretend to be a dangerous infection.

They pretend to be a dangerous infection.

One way of doing this is to inject invaders that can't do harm.

One way of doing this is to inject invaders that can't do harm.

One way of doing this is to inject invaders that can't do harm.

For example, by killing them, or by ripping them into pieces.

For example, by killing them, or by ripping them into pieces.

For example, by killing them, or by ripping them into pieces.

Our immune systems deal with these kinds of vaccines pretty easily.

Our immune systems deal with these kinds of vaccines pretty easily.

Our immune systems deal with these kinds of vaccines pretty easily.

Sometimes, it's necessary to make our immune system work harder though,

Sometimes, it's necessary to make our immune system work harder though,

Sometimes, it's necessary to make our immune system work harder though,

to produce even more memory cells.

to produce even more memory cells.

to produce even more memory cells.

Live vaccines are the real deal.

Live vaccines are the real deal.

Live vaccines are the real deal.

An enemy that can punch back is a bigger challenge than a dead one.

An enemy that can punch back is a bigger challenge than a dead one.

An enemy that can punch back is a bigger challenge than a dead one.

But this also sounds like a sort-of horrible idea.

But this also sounds like a sort-of horrible idea.

But this also sounds like a sort-of horrible idea.

What if the germs win?

What if the germs win?

What if the germs win?

To avoid that, we breed a sort-of weak cousin of the real germ in the lab.

To avoid that, we breed a sort-of weak cousin of the real germ in the lab.

To avoid that, we breed a sort-of weak cousin of the real germ in the lab.

Just powerful enough to annoy the immune system, and create enough memory cells.

Just powerful enough to annoy the immune system, and create enough memory cells.

Just powerful enough to annoy the immune system, and create enough memory cells.

Okay, so these are the basic principles of vaccine use.

Okay, so these are the basic principles of vaccine use.

Okay, so these are the basic principles of vaccine use.

They provoke a natural reaction in our bodies

They provoke a natural reaction in our bodies

They provoke a natural reaction in our bodies

that makes us become immune against very dangerous diseases.

that makes us become immune against very dangerous diseases.

that makes us become immune against very dangerous diseases.

Some, like the flu virus, mutate so often

Some, like the flu virus, mutate so often

Some, like the flu virus, mutate so often

that we need a new vaccine every year,

that we need a new vaccine every year,

that we need a new vaccine every year,

but most vaccines protect us for years, or even a lifetime.

but most vaccines protect us for years, or even a lifetime.

but most vaccines protect us for years, or even a lifetime.

But, there's a catch.

But, there's a catch.

But, there's a catch.

Like everything in life, vaccines have another side:

Like everything in life, vaccines have another side:

Like everything in life, vaccines have another side:

Side effects.

Side effects.

Side effects.

What are they, and what happens if your child develops one?

What are they, and what happens if your child develops one?

What are they, and what happens if your child develops one?

The Risks of Vaccines

The Risks of Vaccines

The Risks of Vaccines

It's complicated to directly compare the side effects of vaccines with the effects of diseases.

It's complicated to directly compare the side effects of vaccines with the effects of diseases.

It's complicated to directly compare the side effects of vaccines with the effects of diseases.

For example,

For example,

For example,

hundreds of millions of people are vaccinated against measles in the West,

hundreds of millions of people are vaccinated against measles in the West,

hundreds of millions of people are vaccinated against measles in the West,

but there were only 83,000 cases in Europe in 2018.

but there were only 83,000 cases in Europe in 2018.

but there were only 83,000 cases in Europe in 2018.

So, with numbers that different, even mild side effects can seem scary

So, with numbers that different, even mild side effects can seem scary

So, with numbers that different, even mild side effects can seem scary

compared to the bad effects of a disease that we don't see as much anymore.

compared to the bad effects of a disease that we don't see as much anymore.

compared to the bad effects of a disease that we don't see as much anymore.

Before the measles vaccine became available in 1963,

Before the measles vaccine became available in 1963,

Before the measles vaccine became available in 1963,

virtually every single child on Earth contracted measles at some point.

virtually every single child on Earth contracted measles at some point.

virtually every single child on Earth contracted measles at some point.

An estimated 135 million cases in the 1950s.

An estimated 135 million cases in the 1950s.

An estimated 135 million cases in the 1950s.

Every single year.

Every single year.

Every single year.

But are measles really that dangerous in the year 2019?

But are measles really that dangerous in the year 2019?

But are measles really that dangerous in the year 2019?

With our advanced healthcare and new technologies,

With our advanced healthcare and new technologies,

With our advanced healthcare and new technologies,

are they worth the risk of vaccine side effects?

are they worth the risk of vaccine side effects?

are they worth the risk of vaccine side effects?

Let's do a thought experiment based on real numbers.

Let's do a thought experiment based on real numbers.

Let's do a thought experiment based on real numbers.

Imagine a developed country in a parallel world.

Imagine a developed country in a parallel world.

Imagine a developed country in a parallel world.

It has good healthcare but people stop vaccinating.

It has good healthcare but people stop vaccinating.

It has good healthcare but people stop vaccinating.

In this scenario, let's say ten million children caught measles.

In this scenario, let's say ten million children caught measles.

In this scenario, let's say ten million children caught measles.

What happens?

What happens?

What happens?

Nine million eight hundred thousand, or 98%, will get a high fever and a very unpleasant rash.

Nine million eight hundred thousand, or 98%, will get a high fever and a very unpleasant rash.

Nine million eight hundred thousand, or 98%, will get a high fever and a very unpleasant rash.

Up to 800,000 of them, or 8%, will suffer from dangerous diarrhea.

Up to 800,000 of them, or 8%, will suffer from dangerous diarrhea.

Up to 800,000 of them, or 8%, will suffer from dangerous diarrhea.

700,000, or 7%, will suffer from an ear infection, which can lead to permanent hearing loss.

700,000, or 7%, will suffer from an ear infection, which can lead to permanent hearing loss.

700,000, or 7%, will suffer from an ear infection, which can lead to permanent hearing loss.

600,000 kids, or 6%, will suffer from pneumonia -- the most dangerous effect of measles.

600,000 kids, or 6%, will suffer from pneumonia -- the most dangerous effect of measles.

600,000 kids, or 6%, will suffer from pneumonia -- the most dangerous effect of measles.

It, alone, will kill 12,000 children.

It, alone, will kill 12,000 children.

It, alone, will kill 12,000 children.

Up to 10,000 children, or 0.1%, will get encephalitis.

Up to 10,000 children, or 0.1%, will get encephalitis.

Up to 10,000 children, or 0.1%, will get encephalitis.

2,500 kids, or 0.025%, will contract SSPE,

2,500 kids, or 0.025%, will contract SSPE,

2,500 kids, or 0.025%, will contract SSPE,

a disease where the measles virus lingers in their brain

a disease where the measles virus lingers in their brain

a disease where the measles virus lingers in their brain

and kills them a few years later.

and kills them a few years later.

and kills them a few years later.

Taken together,

Taken together,

Taken together,

around 2.5 million children will suffer from somewhat serious effects from measles.

around 2.5 million children will suffer from somewhat serious effects from measles.

around 2.5 million children will suffer from somewhat serious effects from measles.

And, about 20,000 children will be killed by measles.

And, about 20,000 children will be killed by measles.

And, about 20,000 children will be killed by measles.

It doesn't stop here though.

It doesn't stop here though.

It doesn't stop here though.

The kids who beat measles are left with a severely damaged immune system

The kids who beat measles are left with a severely damaged immune system

The kids who beat measles are left with a severely damaged immune system

that needs a lot of time to regenerate.

that needs a lot of time to regenerate.

that needs a lot of time to regenerate.

Time for other diseases to do further damage.

Time for other diseases to do further damage.

Time for other diseases to do further damage.

Aside from that, what's almost guaranteed

Aside from that, what's almost guaranteed

Aside from that, what's almost guaranteed

is that your kids will have a really bad time for about two weeks.

is that your kids will have a really bad time for about two weeks.

is that your kids will have a really bad time for about two weeks.

Okay, but what about vaccines?

Okay, but what about vaccines?

Okay, but what about vaccines?

It's only fair to look at these risks, too.

It's only fair to look at these risks, too.

It's only fair to look at these risks, too.

So, let's repeat our thought experiment.

So, let's repeat our thought experiment.

So, let's repeat our thought experiment.

But, this time, we vaccinate ten million children with MMR.

But, this time, we vaccinate ten million children with MMR.

But, this time, we vaccinate ten million children with MMR.

What would theoretically happen here?

What would theoretically happen here?

What would theoretically happen here?

After being vaccinated,

After being vaccinated,

After being vaccinated,

of our 10 million kids, around ten percent get a fever.

of our 10 million kids, around ten percent get a fever.

of our 10 million kids, around ten percent get a fever.

500,000, or 5%, will get a mild rash.

500,000, or 5%, will get a mild rash.

500,000, or 5%, will get a mild rash.

Up to 100, or 0.001%,

Up to 100, or 0.001%,

Up to 100, or 0.001%,

might have a serious allergic reaction and will have to be treated.

might have a serious allergic reaction and will have to be treated.

might have a serious allergic reaction and will have to be treated.

Up to ten boys, or 0.0001%,

Up to ten boys, or 0.0001%,

Up to ten boys, or 0.0001%,

might get inflammation of the genitalia.

might get inflammation of the genitalia.

might get inflammation of the genitalia.

And up to ten kids in total, or 0.0001%,

And up to ten kids in total, or 0.0001%,

And up to ten kids in total, or 0.0001%,

might get the most serious side effect: encephalitis.

might get the most serious side effect: encephalitis.

might get the most serious side effect: encephalitis.

So, we vaccinated ten million kids.

So, we vaccinated ten million kids.

So, we vaccinated ten million kids.

In total, around one hundred and twenty had side effects that were somewhat serious.

In total, around one hundred and twenty had side effects that were somewhat serious.

In total, around one hundred and twenty had side effects that were somewhat serious.

Thanks to good medical treatment in developed regions, almost all of them will be fine.

Thanks to good medical treatment in developed regions, almost all of them will be fine.

Thanks to good medical treatment in developed regions, almost all of them will be fine.

What about autism?

What about autism?

What about autism?

The connection of autism and vaccines stems from one source

The connection of autism and vaccines stems from one source

The connection of autism and vaccines stems from one source

that has been disproven countless times.

that has been disproven countless times.

that has been disproven countless times.

We'll link to further reading and videos in the description.

We'll link to further reading and videos in the description.

We'll link to further reading and videos in the description.

But, in 2019, it's fair to say that vaccines do not cause autism.

But, in 2019, it's fair to say that vaccines do not cause autism.

But, in 2019, it's fair to say that vaccines do not cause autism.

All right, but what about deaths?

All right, but what about deaths?

All right, but what about deaths?

It's really hard to say if even a single one of our 10 million vaccinated kids would die.

It's really hard to say if even a single one of our 10 million vaccinated kids would die.

It's really hard to say if even a single one of our 10 million vaccinated kids would die.

We really did look hard and talked to a lot of different experts.

We really did look hard and talked to a lot of different experts.

We really did look hard and talked to a lot of different experts.

If we ignore self-reporting,

If we ignore self-reporting,

If we ignore self-reporting,

we could only come up with a tiny handful of documented cases

we could only come up with a tiny handful of documented cases

we could only come up with a tiny handful of documented cases

for all the hundreds of millions of children who received the MMR vaccine since 1971.

for all the hundreds of millions of children who received the MMR vaccine since 1971.

for all the hundreds of millions of children who received the MMR vaccine since 1971.

Measles are many, many thousands of times more dangerous for your child

Measles are many, many thousands of times more dangerous for your child

Measles are many, many thousands of times more dangerous for your child

than even the absolute worst case of vaccine side effects.

than even the absolute worst case of vaccine side effects.

than even the absolute worst case of vaccine side effects.

You have to search for lethal vaccine side effects with a huge magnifying glass

You have to search for lethal vaccine side effects with a huge magnifying glass

You have to search for lethal vaccine side effects with a huge magnifying glass

and, even then, it's very hard to find confirmed cases.

and, even then, it's very hard to find confirmed cases.

and, even then, it's very hard to find confirmed cases.

While, deaths from measles are real and easy to find.

While, deaths from measles are real and easy to find.

While, deaths from measles are real and easy to find.

In 2017 alone, 110,000 people died from measles worldwide.

In 2017 alone, 110,000 people died from measles worldwide.

In 2017 alone, 110,000 people died from measles worldwide.

Statistically, today, 300 children will die of measles.

Statistically, today, 300 children will die of measles.

Statistically, today, 300 children will die of measles.

One since this video started.

One since this video started.

One since this video started.

You can compare vaccines to seatbelts.

You can compare vaccines to seatbelts.

You can compare vaccines to seatbelts.

Are there weird freak accidents where someone gets killed by their seatbelt?

Are there weird freak accidents where someone gets killed by their seatbelt?

Are there weird freak accidents where someone gets killed by their seatbelt?

Well, yes.

Well, yes.

Well, yes.

But, do you personally think it's safer to not put a seatbelt on your kid?

But, do you personally think it's safer to not put a seatbelt on your kid?

But, do you personally think it's safer to not put a seatbelt on your kid?

Wait a second!

Wait a second!

Wait a second!

What if your kid is actually allergic?

What if your kid is actually allergic?

What if your kid is actually allergic?

What if none of the things we've said applies to your specific situation?

What if none of the things we've said applies to your specific situation?

What if none of the things we've said applies to your specific situation?

In this case, you need to become the greatest vaccination promoter of all.

In this case, you need to become the greatest vaccination promoter of all.

In this case, you need to become the greatest vaccination promoter of all.

Because if your children can't be vaccinated, only the collective can protect them.

Because if your children can't be vaccinated, only the collective can protect them.

Because if your children can't be vaccinated, only the collective can protect them.

This is called herd immunity,

This is called herd immunity,

This is called herd immunity,

and it's the only thing that can protect your unvaccinated child.

and it's the only thing that can protect your unvaccinated child.

and it's the only thing that can protect your unvaccinated child.

Herd immunity means that enough people are immune to a disease,

Herd immunity means that enough people are immune to a disease,

Herd immunity means that enough people are immune to a disease,

that it can't spread, and dies before it reaches its victims.

that it can't spread, and dies before it reaches its victims.

that it can't spread, and dies before it reaches its victims.

But to accomplish this for measles alone,

But to accomplish this for measles alone,

But to accomplish this for measles alone,

95% of the people around you need to be vaccinated.

95% of the people around you need to be vaccinated.

95% of the people around you need to be vaccinated.

Conclusion

Conclusion

Conclusion

The problem with the debate about vaccines is that it's not fought on a level playing field.

The problem with the debate about vaccines is that it's not fought on a level playing field.

The problem with the debate about vaccines is that it's not fought on a level playing field.

While the pro-vaccine side argues with studies and statistics,

While the pro-vaccine side argues with studies and statistics,

While the pro-vaccine side argues with studies and statistics,

the arguments against them are usually a wild mixture of gut feeling,

the arguments against them are usually a wild mixture of gut feeling,

the arguments against them are usually a wild mixture of gut feeling,

anecdotes, and misinformation.

anecdotes, and misinformation.

anecdotes, and misinformation.

And feelings are often immune to facts.

And feelings are often immune to facts.

And feelings are often immune to facts.

We'll not convince anybody by screaming at them.

We'll not convince anybody by screaming at them.

We'll not convince anybody by screaming at them.

But we can't hide from the reality of what anti-vaccine conspiracies do.

But we can't hide from the reality of what anti-vaccine conspiracies do.

But we can't hide from the reality of what anti-vaccine conspiracies do.

They kill babies too young to be vaccinated.

They kill babies too young to be vaccinated.

They kill babies too young to be vaccinated.

They kill healthy children that are just unlucky.

They kill healthy children that are just unlucky.

They kill healthy children that are just unlucky.

They bring serious diseases back from the verge of extinction.

They bring serious diseases back from the verge of extinction.

They bring serious diseases back from the verge of extinction.

And, the biggest side effect of vaccines is fewer dead children.

And, the biggest side effect of vaccines is fewer dead children.

And, the biggest side effect of vaccines is fewer dead children.

Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have

Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have

Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have

to eradicate the monsters that most of us have already forgotten.

to eradicate the monsters that most of us have already forgotten.

to eradicate the monsters that most of us have already forgotten.

Let's not bring the beasts back!

Let's not bring the beasts back!

Let's not bring the beasts back!

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