In a recent episode of The Skeptics Guide to the Universe Jay pointed out that he didn’t even know what Mumps looked like. This is significant, as a result of the success of vaccines we have forgotten how truly horrifying some of the diseases they prevent can be. Since there are so many vaccine preventable diseases I have chosen to highlight those prevented by the MMR Vaccine that was so wildly criticised in the past.
It is imperative that the public remain confident in the safety of vaccines and that children are continued to be immunised. If vaccination numbers don’t remain high enough then we will once again be faced with these diseases in our kids because of the stupidity and arrogance of a few adults who think they know better than medical consensus based on hard evidence. Below are pictures of the effects of Measles, Mumps and Rubella from the Immunization Action Coalition website where you can find other pictures of vaccine preventable diseases. Warning you may find these pictures disturbing; if you do I suggest you speak up next time you overhear someone questioning the safety of vaccinations. For more information about vaccines go here and here.
Pictures after the break…
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
The fact that Americans are refusing to let their children take the polio vaccine despite it still being a huge problem in underdeveloped countries is incredible. Just shows their continued ignorance and arrogance to the world. These terrible diseases have been practically erradicated due to science and medicine. It makes you wonder that if we do find a cure for cancer, if the next generations will continue to take the vaccine for it or think it has ben erradicated all together.