Branden Cortés – General Reporter
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate: that is the query that remains central in contemporary discourse fueled by conspiracy theories. These theories span from microchips being integrated into vaccines to more fantastical notions that vaccines could confer immortality.
In the midst of this ongoing conversation, psychology major Emily Valenzuela, a freshman, advocates for a comprehensive evaluation of both positive and negative outcomes arising from vaccine testing on non-human subjects.
“If the vaccines prove safe for these beings, there’s a potential assumption of safety for children. However, it remains contingent on external factors that are yet unknown,” Valenzuela said.
Her perspective underscores the need for a nuanced approach to ensure the safety of vaccines before their introduction to children. In response, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention asserts that vaccines are overwhelmingly safe for children.
The United States has a robust history of providing safe vaccines, with millions of children receiving vaccinations annually. Serious side effects such as severe allergic reactions are exceedingly rare, and healthcare professionals are well-trained to address them.
On the flip side, computer science major Hamza Nazim, a sophomore, introduces a time-dependent dimension to the debate. He suggests that the safety of vaccines may vary based on the era in which they were developed.
This introduces an additional layer of consideration, acknowledging that historical context plays a role in determining the perceived safety of vaccines.
“I don’t really think the COVID vaccine was safe at first, mainly because it was made in a very short amount of time. And I do think that kids should stay away from that, but other vaccines that have been tested and have been out for a while are pretty fine,”
Nursing major Fatan Chowdhury, a sophomore, shares the same opinion as Nazim, stating that vaccines, like the flu shot, being made in a short period of time, may well be somewhat suspicious.
“I don’t think they can mess you up or even harm your child, but I do find it kind of fishy that they were made in a very short amount of time,” said Chowdhury.
Contrary to the concerns expressed by some, nursing major Aurora Sosa, a freshman, staunchly holds the belief that vaccines are unequivocally safe for children. Her optimism stems from a deep understanding of the meticulous processes involved in vaccine development.
“I am very positive that vaccines are 100% safe for children,” said Sosa.
Sosa highlighted the stringent testing procedures that vaccines undergo before reaching the market. She also mentioned the extensive clinical trials, regulatory reviews and ongoing surveillance mechanisms in place to monitor for any adverse effects.
Moreover, Sosa emphasized the collective effort of scientists, healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies in upholding the highest standards of safety for pediatric vaccinations.
“Vaccines have been here for a long time, and it has been proven over time that they have helped us combat a lot of deadly diseases,” said Sosa.
