The indirect — and sometimes surprising — benefits of vaccines
statnews.com • • health
Key Points:
- The backlash against vaccines in the U.S., fueled by concerns over individual autonomy and "medical freedom," risks undermining the widespread public health benefits that vaccines provide beyond individual protection.
- Vaccines like rubella, pneumococcal, chickenpox, HPV, measles, and meningococcal B not only protect vaccinated individuals but also confer herd immunity and reduce disease transmission, protecting vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals.
- The rubella vaccine has nearly eliminated congenital rubella syndrome in the U.S., while the pneumococcal vaccine for children has indirectly reduced disease rates among older adults by lowering bacterial carriage in the community.
- Vaccination against chickenpox reduces the risk of shingles
