1Since the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine distrust has been growing worldwide.
2This caused a sharp drop in infant measles and meningitis vaccinations.
3Lower vaccination rates in the UK have led to a surge in meningitis deaths.
📖 Easy Explanation
🔍 Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, distrust and reluctance toward vaccines grew globally. More parents are refusing essential vaccinations for their children due to fears of side effects.
📌 Key Points
In developed countries like the US, UK, and Australia, vaccination rates for infants under 1 year old have dropped significantly. This includes essential vaccines for measles, meningitis, and whooping cough. In the UK, the lack of vaccinations has led to a sharp increase in meningitis cases, tragically resulting in deaths.
💡 Why It Matters
No country is entirely safe. With frequent international travel, infectious diseases spreading abroad can easily enter. It is crucial to double-check that children and grandchildren are receiving their routine vaccinations on time.
🔮 What's Next
If the number of unvaccinated children continues to rise, there is a high risk that dangerous infectious diseases, once thought to be eradicated, will make a major comeback.
📚 Glossary
팬데믹 (Paendaemik)A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease globally.
뇌수막염 (Noesumangnyeom)An inflammation of the thin membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
백일해 (Baegilhae)A highly contagious respiratory disease causing severe coughing fits.