Blissfully ignorant, blatantly empty-headed, balky when it comes to facts and reasoning are just some of the many phrases that define the trends started by anti-vaccine movement. Since the announcement of effective vaccines against COVID-19, these so-called “campaigns” have gone viral on social media. With a majority of the posts being factually incoherent, most people brush them off as a publicity stunt. 

After the emergence of social media, conspiracy theorists and anti-vaxxers have found a platform as people are drawn to every laughable and absurd conspiracy theory they see on Reddit or TikTok. A dangerous theory spreading online is that the COVID-19 pandemic is a money-making scheme by BigPharma that will generate trillions in revenue by selling vaccines that supposedly harm the human body. What these people fail to realise is that these vaccines are currently our only way out, they have the potential to save countless lives and can directly play a role in the revitalization of the economy.

Another ludicrous theory that seems to have taken wind is that vaccines are the tool of the deep state and governments push it to control populations. This, of course, shows that most of these are fragments of some wild imaginative fantasy that is scientifically implausible. 

A couple of months ago, I came across an infamous tweet from the rapper turned presidential nominee – Kanye West. He proclaimed that the public should be cautious with the COVID-19 vaccines as they are a ploy to put chips inside us. I guess, now, I finally understand why he married a Kardashian. His stand was not only immature considering his influence but it also highlighted this growing trend that could be dangerous as healthcare agencies across the globe toil to fight this pandemic.

This sentiment is fueled due to rampant misinformation on social media; for example, some anti-vaxxers on social media believe that using vaccines is what causes autism amongst children. This is not only entirely inaccurate but also grossly insensitive! Adding fuel to the fire, this misinformation is further endorsed by public figures who conveniently use their influence to manipulate. 

Another reason why this trend has become so sensationalized is because of the general consensus that chemicals in medicine are inadvertently harmful to the human body. However, what most people fail to understand is despite some side effects, most vaccines are certified by regulated and reputed healthcare agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

In the medical context, patients do have the right to refuse treatment. However, vaccines are imperative in saving lives as they exponentially decrease the chances of epidemic outbreaks. These anti-vaccine movements harm the lives of many and continue to ruin our time as youths! (Please, just let me go to Cosplay!). 

Simply put, anti-vaccine campaigns run rampant with misinformation and can lead to serious repercussions. It is up to us to turn the tide against this spree of misinformation by educating ourselves and ignoring the blissfully ignorant.