
The Alarming Return of Smallpox and Vaccine Hesitancy: Insights from Australia’s Leading Epidemiologist
2025-05-19
Author: Siti
In the thick of the Covid-19 crisis, Professor Raina MacIntyre of the University of New South Wales emerged as a crucial voice, warning Australians about the looming dangers of the pandemic. Now, in her eye-opening new book, "Vaccine Nation," she turns her attention to pressing threats that could spell disaster for public health.
Vaccination: A Victory at Risk!
MacIntyre asserts that vaccination stands as one of humanity's greatest achievements, yet we find ourselves at a perilous crossroads. Without vaccines, UNICEF reports that we could have faced an estimated 5 million deaths from smallpox each year as recently as the mid-1990s. The eradication of smallpox has prevented over 190 million deaths since 1980, a statistic that anti-vaccine groups may be loath to acknowledge.
She warns that a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and polio could lead to significant increases in infant mortality. In fact, infectious diseases were once among the leading causes of death globally, and we may soon see their return to prominence.
An Epidemic of Measles?
Currently, we are witnessing alarming outbreaks of measles. Vaccination rates in Australia and worldwide have started to decline post-Covid, aggravating the situation. High vaccination coverage is mandatory to stave off these preventable epidemics.
Fears of Future Pandemics
So, what keeps MacIntyre up at night? Primarily, the dread of an influenza or smallpox-like pandemic. With influenza pandemics being a historical norm—like the catastrophic Spanish flu of 1918—there’s growing concern over the potential mutation of bird flu viruses, which could result in a new, highly contagious strain.
Moreover, although smallpox was eradicated in 1980, it remains a terrifying prospect due to its potential use as a biological weapon, especially since laboratory synthesis methods are publicly available.
Vaccine Hesitancy: A New Challenge
The anti-vax movement isn’t the only threat to herd immunity; rampant misinformation is also a major concern. MacIntyre points out the rise of predatory journals that promote pseudoscience, misleading both the public and even some medical professionals.
A small cadre of influential medical figures continues to spread anti-vaccine propaganda on social media, complicating the task of differentiating between staunch refusers and the more significant group of vaccine-hesitant individuals.
Building Trust and Encouraging Dialogue
According to MacIntyre, the key to restoring trust in vaccines lies in open dialogue with hesitant individuals. This group is larger than outright refusers, and many feel neglected by healthcare providers, making them susceptible to anti-vaccine rhetoric.
The Balancing Act of Prevention
When it comes to pandemic preparedness, MacIntyre foresees another pandemic on the horizon, spurred by factors such as the alarming spread of bird flu. Although society is likely to be better equipped with vaccines and research methods, including promising new mRNA technologies, public distrust of health measures poses a significant challenge.
Harnessing AI for Future Preparedness
On a more upbeat note, MacIntyre expresses excitement about using artificial intelligence to enhance health intelligence. Her initiative, Epiwatch, aims to provide early warnings of epidemics using open-source data.
Recently recognized at a global level, Epiwatch's potential to transform pandemic preparedness is monumental, especially as it garners support to establish its own independent entity.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
In a world where vaccine hesitancy and misinformation pose significant threats to public health, the insights of experts like MacIntyre are more crucial than ever. As we navigate these challenges, fostering trust in vaccination and preparedness remains a shared responsibility.