President Trump’s nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has sparked debates about vaccines despite decades of evidence showing they save millions from serious illnesses.
Vaccines work by imitating pathogens without causing disease, helping the immune system prepare for future infections. They prevent severe illness in many cases and reduce risks of death or hospitalization.
Data shows vaccines have saved over 154 million lives globally since their introduction. However, declining vaccination rates are leading to outbreaks of diseases like polio, measles, and rubella.
For instance, the MMR vaccine protects against three serious illnesses with just one shot, while the inactivated polio vaccine has nearly eradicated polio in the U.S., saving thousands of lives since its routine use began in the 1950s.
Despite these advancements, vaccine hesitancy remains a growing concern, with many people choosing not to vaccinate, potentially endangering public health efforts.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-many-lives-vaccines-have-saved