The G25 is pleased to announce the launch of two videos on vaccination awareness, entitled “Apa itu Vaksin?” and “Adakah Vaksin Haram dan Sebabkan Autisma?” on 24 July 2017 at the Royal Lake Club, Kuala Lumpur.
Last year, several cases of diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease, were reported including five fatalities. Almost all of them were children who were not vaccinated. Anti-vaccination movements are not new, to Malaysia nor to the world. Main concerns by Malay Muslim parents who choose not to have their children vaccinated are fears that vaccines might contain pig DNA, are ineffective, or may even be the cause of autism or linked to it. These unfounded fears are based on unsubstantiated opinions and in the case of autism based on scientific research that has since been long discredited.
In the hopes of clearing this doubt and dispelling the myths surrounding vaccination, and to ensure that all children are given the required vaccines, the G25 have produced two short videos. Illustrated and primarily animated by Norhayati Kaprawi, the videos aim to engage the viewer with its colourful images, simple storyline, and clear and simple language, while getting the pertinent information across. The first video “Apakah itu Vaksin?” follows the story of a mother bringing her child to the doctor to get vaccinated. The doctor then explains to the mother how vaccination works and its benefits to the child and, in turn, society. The second video, “Adakah Vaksin Haram dan Sebabkan Autisma?” illustrates the ease in which information, true or not, can spread and influence a person’s decision. This video assures the viewer that the vaccines brought into Malaysia are Halal certified and that extensive research by scientists around the world, including the WHO, have been done to prove vaccines are not a cause of autism.
This is a social issue with serious health consequences including death, which cannot be ignored. Parents or guardians who refuse to vaccinate their children due to misinformation unnecessarily expose not only their own children to these harmful diseases, but others who have yet to be vaccinated as well. Infants and children too young to be vaccinated are at an even greater risk should they be infected with these diseases. This is a problem which can be prevented. Let us not wait for another death, let us not wait for an epidemic.
With the advent of the internet and social media it is now easier to get the message across. We will be uploading these two videos on YouTube and posting the links on our G25 website (www.g25malaysia.org) so that it is easily accessible to all. Let us use these platforms to spread the truth. Take the time to talk to family, friends, and your community about this. Let us do our part and share something beneficial and eradicate the misconceptions on vaccination. Let us be rid of doubt. Let us save lives.