The provided text is a transcript of an episode of "Nostalgia Science", a show that aims to make science entertaining. The episode focuses on the topic of vaccines, specifically addressing misconceptions and fears surrounding them.
The host, Felipe Castanhari, begins by addressing the fear of vaccines and the potential side effects. He clarifies that vaccines are not harmful and can prevent serious diseases. He explains that viruses are tiny and can enter the body through wounds or contact with the eyes, nose, and mouth. Once inside, they need to enter a cell to multiply and survive. Different types of viruses cause different diseases.
Castanhari then discusses the history of smallpox, a disease that killed millions of people worldwide. He explains how Edward Jenner discovered that cowpox, a less severe version of smallpox, could be used to create a vaccine against smallpox. Today, vaccines are made from weakened viruses, dead microbes, and sometimes bits of these microorganisms.
Castanhari also explains how vaccines work in the body. They teach the immune system how to defend against a particular virus, creating an immune memory that will protect against future attacks. He uses the measles vaccine as an example, explaining that it contains a weakened version of the measles virus that activates the immune system.
The host then addresses the concern that vaccines can cause autism. He explains that a study by Andrew Wakefield, published in The Lancet, claimed a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. However, Wakefield forged the study, lost his medical license, and was later found to have patented a measles vaccine. The host concludes that there is no evidence linking the MMR vaccine to autism.
The host also debunks the myth that vaccines contain mercury and cause autism. He explains that mercury has been used as a preservative in vaccines since the 1930s and that science has never been able to prove any harm it has done to people's health.
In conclusion, the host encourages viewers to get vaccinated, as it is a safe and effective way to protect against diseases. He emphasizes the importance of staying curious and questioning misinformation.
1. Paul, a character in the text, was initially scared of getting vaccinated due to misinformation he found on the internet about vaccines potentially causing sickness [Document(page_content="00:00:00.11: [Howling] What are you still doing here Paul? Weren't you on your way to get vaccinated? I was, but I got very scared Laster! Scared of what? From the needle? No, I've seen on the internet that vaccines can make you sick. Did you know that Laster? Oh, my God Paul! You have to stop believing these fake news you get in the