Even though vaccines have been proven to be highly effective for an individual, as well as having had a hugely beneficial impact on public health in general, there remains substantial controversy. Various vaccines have been incorrectly blamed for autism, heart problems, arthritis, and much more. One vaccine, the LYMERix vaccine for Lyme Disease, was taken off the market because of low demand and fear about possible side effects. Although the Lyme vaccine was very effective, opponents claimed it caused arthritis and many people refused to get the vaccine as a result.
Misinformation and political issues also add to the debate about vaccines. However, vaccines have provided many individual and public health benefits by substantially decreasing the rates of serious disease and death. In fact, vaccines are responsible for eradicating the disease of smallpox as previously mentioned. The table below shows data regarding the drop in the incidence of some diseases after vaccines were initiated.
