Apart from the book, What are your thoughts on vaccines?

[Michelle Bealle]

Hmmmmmn. Tough one. But I'd have to say that in general vaccines will not cause harm to people. It might not quote on quote do good. But hey, there's no harm in trying right? If there's a chance that I could be safe then I'd definitely take it.

[Elizabeth-Tush4Christ]

The benefits of vaccines are well-documented. They have eradicated diseases like smallpox, significantly reduced the incidence of polio, measles, and other infectious diseases, and have helped a lot of people fight off disease and stay healthy.
While there can be side effects, as expected of any drug, especially new ones. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, as they protect not only the individual but also the community.

[Julius Peters]

Vaccines are widely regarded as one of the most effective public health measures for preventing infectious diseases. They have led to the eradication of smallpox, significant reductions in diseases like polio and measles, and have played a critical role in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens without causing the disease itself. They undergo rigorous testing in clinical trials for safety and efficacy before approval by regulatory agencies.

While no medical intervention is without risks, the benefits of vaccines in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death generally outweigh the potential side effects, which are typically mild and temporary. Public health experts and scientific evidence overwhelmingly support the use of vaccines as safe and effective tools in disease prevention.

[Ika Apo]

I can honestly not trust newly developed vaccines in our era when most healthcare is focused on generating profit, as sad as it sounds. I would rather not take the vaccine and trust my instincts than be a part of an experiment.

[Slippy Spectrum]

The safety and efficacy of vaccines, including Covishield, have been extensively evaluated by regulatory agencies, scientific communities, and healthcare professionals. While vaccines can have potential side effects, the overwhelming evidence suggests that most vaccines, including Covishield, are safe and effective in preventing severe illnesses and deaths.

[Ashley Hodgins]

All vaccines have risks associated with them, specifically Guillain-barre syndrome. When we receive a vaccine the risks are clearly explained with a consent form to follow. When researching vaccines I think it's important to research what other countries are doing, why or why not, and their data/findings. Overall, I do think vaccines have a place in society however I am not interested in a vaccine without extensive research and trials.

[Sanjeev2]

I am from India and discussion on COVID-19 shield has been turned into scaremongering.

The side effects are supposed to show symptoms within a week and it has been over two years and people are being scared now about the side effects.

Another thing people don't realise is that every vaccine has some side effects but it doesn't mean it will definitely impact you.

Finally, vaccines are developed not to cure you but to protect you from possible infection from harmful viruses.

The whole argument against vaccines sounds stupid to me, especially in India, because it was a nationwide vaccine programme that helped us end polio.

[Eagle Adastra]

Generally, I don't like vaccines or anything that concerns taking vaccines. I do take them when it is necessary, mostly as a last resort.

[Christell Lindeque]

I have not read the book, but my thoughts on vaccines are that people should get it to help the frail not get COVID who might die from it, should they come in contact with someone who could have prevented it. If it is scientifically proven that some people might die or suffer from the vaccines, then by all means don't get it. I do however do not agree with people not getting it because of rumours.

[Elizabeth-Tush4Christ]

Vaccines are designed to keep us safe, and to a great extent, most vaccines have achieved that goal. I believe that vaccines can boost the immune system and protect against avoidable disabilities or permanent diseases, especially in environments where certain diseases are prevalent. However, I also recognize that there are health risks associated with vaccines, although these risks are often downplayed because they rarely occur. People should be fully informed of any potential errors or risks associated with what they are receiving. Just as cigarette packs carry a warning that smokers are liable to die young, vaccines should also have such disclaimers.

[Chris Alex Powell]

Vaccines work, whether for polio or against cholera, I know for a fact that vaccines work. There have, however, been so many conspiracy theories surrounding the COVID-19 vax, and it has to be honestly politicized, and now I am not sure what to believe from the left or from the right.

[obinna Sharon]

Vaccines have become a lightning rod for people’s pain and dissatisfaction, often serving as a scapegoat for those feeling marginalized or overlooked in society. Education is now a significant factor influencing one’s desire for vaccine, reflecting the complex interplay between culture, social class, and vaccination beliefs.

[Jensyn Runkle]

I am a scientist in the real world, so I know the sound science behind why vaccines work. But also why they sometimes don't. At the end of the day, they are a tool. I think it is up to us as individuals to research and inform ourselves on it. I think many people, on both sides of the fence allow fear tactics and pseudoscience to drive their decisions. That helps no one.

Yes or No to a single vaccine is not an absolute. I cannot judge all vaccines by the same metric, as they are created uniquely, and the research backing each one is from many sources, over a highly varied period of time. Not every vaccine is applicable to every person.
Some vaccines DO have side effects. The choice for me comes down to this...How have I supported my body against disease already? Am I at risk for the illness in question? Are the known or unknown side effects potentially more of a risk than the illness I could potentially contract without it? What is the efficacy of the vaccine? etc. You can never ask to many questions of have too much information!
My hope would simply be for people to use science and evidence based research to make their decisions.

[Leslie Kunde]

In general, vaccines are wonderful life-saving treatments. The mRNA is a different story. I realize we were in a hurry to save lives, but the mRNA vaccines have so many potential side effects that we may not see for years that they scare me. My husband got one of the mRNA vaccines and has had heart trouble since day 7 after the first shot. I opted for the J&J because of my allergies; the doctor felt it was the best choice. I believe in having all childhood shots, I just do not believe the mRNA were tested enough nor were the trials transparent. Al

[Leslie Kunde]

In general, vaccines are wonderful life-saving treatments. The mRNA is a different story. I realize we were in a hurry to save lives, but the mRNA vaccines have so many potential side effects that we may not see for years that they scare me. My husband got one of the mRNA vaccines and has had heart trouble since day 7 after the first shot. I opted for the J&J because of my allergies; the doctor felt it was the best choice. I believe in having all childhood shots; I just do not believe the mRNA vaccines were tested enough, nor were the trials transparent. This did not allow people to make informed choices.