Vaccination Frenzy

Sometimes we take for granted how lucky we are. Most of us would have had vaccines for all kinds of diseases starting from when we were born. Thinking back, I would guess that I've had quite a number of vaccines since the government made it compulsory for us to get them. Vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tubercolosis, Hepatitis B...not to mention the many optional vaccines that are out there such as chicken pox, rabies, influenza, Hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis to name a few. I know all this because I have started some studying on one of my subjects which deals with stuff like this. Looking through my notes, I wonder if I'll ever go down to the doctor one day and just ask to be vaccinated with every single vaccine available. After all, this would ensure that I could be protected as best as possible so that I wouldn't have to worry about contracting the diseases. Ok so maybe this is the "kiasu" way of thinking but why not? It is my health that I'm talking about. Plus, it could give you a peace of mind, knowing that you have prevented the chances of getting infected. What could be more worrisome than to get bitten by a dog or a bat and then think about whether you would develop rabies? The world is full of scientists and researchers who are working hard to develop new vaccines. The HIV and dengue vaccines are good examples. I wonder when we will have them out since I am determined to be protected against these two viruses for sure. Just look at the worldwide HIV and AIDS situation; it's really scary. The fact that once infected equals being infected for life is really serious so I guess everyone should want to prevent the infection in the first place. Plus, what about the dengue epidemic back home? The government is having a real hard time getting dengue under control and there are new cases everyday. Having a dengue vaccine would solve further epidemics.

How much would you be willing to pay for a vaccine? $10? $100? $1,000??? If a single dose could give you life-long immunity, wouldn't the pharmaceutical companies be charging a lot for the vaccine? Judging from the amount of money put into the research to produce a vaccine, the companies would want to squeeze every penny they could. Then again, maybe paying a few hundred dollars for a dengue vaccine would be worth it if S'pore and M'sia continue to have dengue epidemics. At least then you could sleep with the windows open and not worry about covering yourself from head to toe when you go out at night. And the HIV vaccine....??? Well, with this vaccine, you could sleep around a lot more without asking the other person to go for a check-up first....hahhaahaha....Also, should there one day be a vaccine that could protect against numerous diseases, there would be a rush for people to get immunized; if they could afford it. For I'm believing that this wonderful vaccine would be costing a bomb! How much are you willing to pay for these vaccines? I'm pretty sure I would skimp and save to come up with the money....