Opinion | A history of hope: How vaccines protect us all

As physicians and leaders of two primary care medical associations in Alabama, we’ve seen firsthand how vaccines and modern medicine save lives and protect communities. At a time when public health is at the center of national conversations, it’s important to remember that these tools prevent devastating illnesses and offer families hope for healthier futures.

Of course, as physicians we also understand that decisions about health and family well-being are deeply personal. In Alabama, we take pride in protecting our families and neighbors, and ensuring our children have the opportunity to live full, healthy lives. Vaccines have been a cornerstone of that effort for centuries, safeguarding generations against preventable diseases—right here in Alabama and across the globe.

Vaccination isn’t new. For over 200 years, vaccines have been a powerful and safe tool to protect people from devastating diseases. In 1796, Dr. Edward Jenner developed the very first vaccine to fight smallpox, a disease that killed an estimated 300 million to 500 million people. Thanks to widespread vaccination efforts, smallpox was completely eradicated by 1977—a global triumph for humanity that began with the simple idea of preventing illness before it happens.

In all of human history, vaccines have arguably saved more lives than any other intervention. A recent study published this past May in The Lancet estimates the impact of vaccines against 14 common pathogens over the past 50 years. The study found that vaccines have saved 154 million lives worldwide since 1974. Of those lives saved, 95 percent were children under the age of five. The same study shows that vaccines have cut infant mortality by 40 percent globally, offering countless families the gift of health and hope for the future.

Here in Alabama, vaccines have helped keep families safe from diseases that once ravaged our communities—like polio, measles and whooping cough. Thanks to vaccines, parents today rarely have to fear these illnesses, which were once a common and heartbreaking part of life. As doctors, we’ve seen firsthand how a simple shot can prevent devastating diseases and save children and adults from a lifetime of needless suffering.

We understand that there’s a lot of noise out there regarding immunizations, but the science behind vaccines is well-established. They’re tested rigorously and guided by years of evidence. For these reasons, we strongly support using the best possible evidence to guide medical care and public health policies.  

When we step into our clinics each day, we honor our oath to do no harm and to give patients the best advice possible. Similarly, we would be remiss as physician leaders if we did not speak out during a time in which the direction of the public health of our nation is being debated.

Here in Alabama, we know that public health is about people helping people. It’s about parents protecting their children. It’s about personal responsibility and safe neighborhoods. Above all, we care about keeping families healthy and as doctors, we remain committed to helping our patients make the best decisions for their families. Together, we can continue to build a healthier, stronger Alabama.