5 Things You Didn’t Know About Vaccines – World Immunization Day

Hello Symbiosis family! As we mark World Immunization Day, let’s take a closer look at some surprising facts about vaccines.

You might be familiar with the story of Edward Jenner, an English doctor who discovered the smallpox vaccine. He observed that milkmaids who had cowpox were immune to smallpox. This pivotal insight led to the creation of the world’s first vaccine, revolutionizing global health.

Here are five fascinating things you might not know about vaccines that highlight just how incredible they truly are.

Vaccination Has Ancient Roots in India

Did you know that the concept of vaccination dates back over a thousand years? Early forms of immunization were practiced in China and India around 1000 AD, where people used "variolation"—exposing themselves to smallpox scabs in small doses—to build immunity. This early practice paved the way for modern vaccines and shows how long humanity has fought to protect against disease.

Vaccines Save Millions Every Year

Thanks to vaccines, around 2-3 million lives are saved annually, according to the World Health Organization. Diseases like measles, diphtheria, and tetanus, which once posed huge risks, are now preventable. So each time you get a vaccine, you’re part of a global effort that’s actively saving lives and reducing disease.

Herd Immunity Protects Everyone

Getting vaccinated isn’t just about personal health; it’s about protecting the entire community. When a high percentage of people are vaccinated, diseases have less chance to spread, even to those who aren’t vaccinated, like newborns or people with specific health conditions. This community-wide protection is known as "herd immunity"—and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent outbreaks.

Polio Is Almost History Thanks to Vaccines

Back in 1988, there were over 350,000 cases of polio worldwide. Today, thanks to global vaccination efforts, that number has dropped by over 99%. We’re on the brink of eradicating polio completely—making it only the second disease in history, after smallpox, to be eradicated. Each vaccine takes us one step closer to a polio-free world.

Vaccines Are Evolving with Technology

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted just how rapidly vaccine technology is advancing. mRNA vaccines, which were widely used to combat COVID-19, represent a new frontier. These vaccines use genetic information to “teach” our bodies to fight off viruses, offering a faster, more flexible way to create effective vaccines for more diseases in the future. With new technologies like these, the future of vaccination is brighter than ever!

Why It Matters for You

Vaccination is a powerful tool for every college student, not just to protect yourself but to help keep your community safe. By getting vaccinated, you’re strengthening your own health defenses and contributing to a healthier campus.

This World Immunization Day, take a moment to learn about the vaccines recommended for your age group. Visit your campus health center, ask questions, and make sure you’re up-to-date. Let’s keep ourselves—and our campus—safe and healthy!