Consider this, in the history of humans using vaccinations to combat viral infections (both of themselves as well as of livestock and pets) there have only been two disease that are considered completely wiped out; smallpox, and as of the last day or so rinderpest (a livestock disease). This is on one hand an amazing achievement, while, in the light of all the known kinds of viral infections, a sobering reality.
Now, just considering smallpox alone, which could have upwards of 60% mortality rate (80% for children), we can say that its elimination alone constitutes a pretty great thing. Furthermore, rinderpest was not a nice disease to deal with either. So while that might only be two viruses down, it certainly isn’t any small accomplishment.
I know that there are a lot of debates about vaccinations and the potential pros and cons of being vaccinated and I am not here to take one side or the other (mostly becuase I am not nearly as well educated in the science or medical practice as I think one should be to making these kind of arguments) but I will say that if being able to live in a word without smallpox is any degree of a measure then I think vaccination has achieved some very real good.
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