Then, it would seem to have been all but unanimous; and now, one would think, at first sight, that it were almost an insult to human understanding to be obliged to collect statistics to prove that vaccination confers a large exemption from attacks of small pox, and almost absolute security against death from that disease. … The general ignorance of the community, especially of the lower orders, as to the aim and object of vaccination, is lamentably great, and has still to be overcome.
–William Aitken
The Science and Practice of Medicine, Vol. I (Second edition)
Charles Griffin and Company, London, 1863
16 Comments
It’s been difficult and frustrating to find truth behind the pro-vaccination and against-vaccination pandemic. Anyway, interesting quote. Thanks for sharing.
It’s funny to think that at one point the majority opinion was in opposition to vaccination.
It’s also quite lamentable that this “lower order” has seen a resurgence in recent decades due to the fraudulent claims of some unethical scientists.
An unfortunate lack of progress for 150 years…
“Lower order”? At least in the Western sphere, it seems like affluent educated people are the least likely to believe in the efficacy of vaccines.
Funny, isn’t it ?
Many know that vaccination is good, but due to there busy schedule they neglect it for there kids.
It seems those of us that were around to see polio and small pox would be more inclined to believe in the benefit of vaccines, especially with modern technology. The younger generations perhaps, not so much. History repeating itself?
People are always going to try to be the black sheep of the herd by disagreeing for the sake of disagreeing. Its a pity though that many chose to do so on such important matters that can affect their health, and worse, their children’s health…
All these years later and we’re still fighting some of the same fights and having the same debates.
Great post. Interesting fact that despite the necessity of vaccinations, many kids are still neglected with such privilege.
Who’s to say? Obviously some vaccinations are more important than others. Comparing polio shots to flu shots for instance.
Polio Shots = Need
Flu Shots = Not so much…
Interesting quote. It seems that nothing changes.
However. I agree that not all vaccinations are equal; and I know know a couple of people who had very bad reactions to them.
Lower class people need to know and educate about the importance of vaccination, they deserve and has the right.
In the case of pertussis, we are not necessarily protecting the recipients of the vaccines but babies yet to be fully immunized. Its been a good selling point for getting a Tdap. Perhaps pictures of babies coughing themselves to death should be a model for public education on vaccine efficacy.
I think that some vaccines are definitely beneficial, like for polio and small pox. However, I’ve never had a flu vaccination. I’d rather rely on a healthy immune system to defend myself against such a rapidly-mutating virus.
Some people still think that vaccines are more of a danger than a benefit, especially as there have been some cases of mercury being used in vaccines! I personally believe that vaccines are necessary to the vulnerable as they have weaker immune systems and may not be able to cope with the virus
I agree with the comment above in that I think more attention needs to be drawn to the use of Thiomersal (mercury) in vaccines. Also, there is said to be growing evidence that vaccination causes long term problems. Are we breeding ‘supergerms’ through the use of vaccination in the same way we are through overuse of antibiotics?
I think it’s one of those debates where both sides are strongly entrenched. The truth usually contains some of the arguments of both sides – there is no universal panacea.. it is most likely that sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s bad.
Whatever the case may be, I still think that vaccinations are of extreme importance. It’s just unfortunate that not most of us have access to it and what’s worst is that, some are even not aware of their importance.
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