Jan Veenstra
Today, 12:00
Sometimes I look in wonder at the world around me. As a 68-year-old, I realize that we should not automatically assume anything. Diseases such as smallpox, whooping cough – I think they are a thing of the past. Vaccination against these diseases was no longer an issue, except for a few strictly Christian places.
Everyone saw the need for this and diseases like these seemed to be largely eradicated.
But now, in 2024, there is another outbreak of these diseases. We must make an effort again to convince people to have their offspring vaccinated. Actually we are back to square one. I get a sense of déjà vu and imagine myself in the 60s.
It feels like a bizarre time travel, a return to a past that we thought was definitively behind us. How is it possible that, with all our scientific advances and medical knowledge, we are returning to a time when diseases such as smallpox and whooping cough are reemerging?
Ignorance and mistrust
The answer seems to lie in a mix of ignorance, misinformation and a growing distrust of science and authority. The rise of social media has created a fertile ground for conspiracy theories and anti-vaccination propaganda, which is spreading through the population like a virus.
But let’s not forget that behind these discussions are human lives. It is not only a matter of individual freedom, but also of collective responsibility. By not getting vaccinated, we are not only putting ourselves at risk, but also others – especially those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
It is time to remember the lessons of the past and recognize that vaccination is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious diseases. Let us not allow our society to slip back into an era of ignorance and fear. Instead, we must work together to ensure the health and well-being of everyone, regardless of age, origin or beliefs.
Let’s not allow history to repeat itself.
