EXISTE PERIGO NA VACINA? | Nerdologia

Summary

In this informative video, biologist Atila debunks common misconceptions about vaccines, explaining their safety and importance in preventing deadly diseases. He explores the history of vaccination, from ancient practices to modern methods, and clears up myths such as the link between vaccines and autism. Atila emphasizes the far greater danger posed by the diseases vaccines prevent, such as smallpox and polio. With vaccines being some of the most tested medications, he highlights their critical role in global health and survival, urging viewers to trust science and protect themselves and others through vaccination.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vaccines introduce a harmless version of a pathogen to help the body develop immunity against dangerous infections.
• 😀 The concept of vaccination has been in use for over 500 years, originating in China with the use of smallpox scabs.
• 😀 Edward Jenner in 1780s discovered that cowpox virus provided immunity against smallpox, leading to the development of the first vaccines.
• 😀 Vaccines are made using pathogens that either don't grow well in humans or are killed, and they help protect both the vaccinated individual and those around them.
• 😀 Some vaccines contain preservatives like ethyl mercury (thimerosal), which is much less toxic than mercury found in fish and is considered safe in vaccine doses.
• 😀 Some vaccines contain substances like squalene or aluminum to boost the immune response, but these are used in very small, safe amounts.
• 😀 The false claim that vaccines cause autism stems from a discredited 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield, who falsified data for personal gain.
• 😀 Numerous large-scale studies have shown no connection between vaccines, including the MMR vaccine, and autism.
• 😀 Autism is a behavioral disorder largely influenced by genetics and develops as the brain matures during childhood, often around the time children receive vaccinations.
• 😀 Vaccines prevent deadly diseases such as smallpox, polio, and measles, which have caused widespread devastation and deaths historically.
• 😀 Vaccines are among the most tested and safe forms of medicine, with side effects being rare and much less dangerous than the diseases they prevent.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of vaccination?

The main purpose of vaccination is to introduce a harmless version of a pathogen (virus or bacteria) to the body to stimulate the immune system, helping it recognize and fight the real pathogen in the future.

How old is the concept of vaccination?

The concept of vaccination dates back more than 500 years to China, where dried smallpox scabs were used to expose people to a weakened form of the virus.

Who is credited with the development of the modern vaccine?

Edward Jenner is credited with developing the modern vaccine in the late 1700s, using cowpox to protect against smallpox.

What are some of the common ingredients in vaccines and their safety?

Vaccines often contain ingredients like preservatives (e.g., ethyl mercury or thimerosal), adjuvants (e.g., squalene, aluminum), and sometimes inactivated pathogens. These are used in amounts considered safe for the body, and are generally much less toxic than commonly encountered substances like fish or milk.

What was the controversy about thimerosal in vaccines?

Thimerosal, a preservative containing ethyl mercury, was wrongly blamed for causing autism. However, numerous studies with large populations have shown no link between thimerosal or vaccines and autism.

What is the connection between vaccines and autism?

The myth that vaccines cause autism originated from a discredited study by Andrew Wakefield in 1998. This claim has been thoroughly debunked by subsequent research, including studies with over 400,000 children.

What are the risks of not vaccinating children?

Not vaccinating children increases the risk of contracting dangerous diseases like smallpox, polio, and measles, which can cause severe health issues, including death, paralysis, and long-term complications.

How did the development of vaccines contribute to global health?

Vaccines have been instrumental in eradicating or controlling deadly diseases, such as smallpox, which killed 500 million people in the 20th century. They have significantly reduced mortality rates and contributed to the global population exceeding 7 billion.

How safe are vaccines in terms of side effects?

Vaccines are among the safest types of medicine, thoroughly tested for safety. The side effects of vaccines are generally mild and far less dangerous than the diseases they prevent.

What is the role of vaccines in preventing pandemics and epidemics?

Vaccines are critical in preventing epidemics and pandemics by providing immunity to the population, thus controlling the spread of infectious diseases and protecting vulnerable groups, such as babies and the elderly.