Does the Bible Mention Vaccines or Immunizations?

The Bible, specifically the Old Testament (OT), is rich with principles and teachings that guide human health and wellness. While the Bible does not explicitly mention vaccines or immunizations, its teachings on cleanliness, hygiene, and providence can be related to modern health practices, including vaccination. The Old Testament includes several taboos and practices designed to protect against illness and disease. For instance, prohibitions against eating pork and shellfish are believed to have been written to protect people from tapeworm and botulism, respectively, highlighting God's care for his creation.

God's Care and Protection

As a Protestant Christian and adherent of the Anglican/Methodist tradition, I firmly believe that God, through Jesus Christ, has gifted us with the means to heal and prevent illnesses. This divine provision is extended to researchers and medical professionals who work to develop and implement vaccinations to protect our families and communities. Just as Jesus healed the sick, God wants us to strive for optimal health during our earthly journey, as He loves us deeply.

Opposition to Unnecessary Suffering

Given that God and Jesus abhor unnecessary suffering, it is natural to conclude that they would be in favor of vaccinations and immunizations. This view is rooted in the belief that God desires to preserve health and happiness, which please Him. This perspective is colored by my own non-evangelical Protestant faith and my experiences in Africa, where life's fragility can influence one's outlook.

Polio: A Modern Example

The near-eradication of polio through vaccination campaigns exemplifies the importance of immunizations. Polio was almost globally eradicated, but certain religious communities chose to hide their children during free vaccination drives, leading to residual cases. Wild-type polio cases are still being reported, and this underscores the critical need for widespread vaccination. Anyone, anywhere in the world, can be affected by polio if they haven't been vaccinated. For those interested in learning more, I recommend researching images of polio survivors and reading "I Can Jump Puddles," a memoir by an Australian polio survivor.

Chickenpox and Measles: Risks and Consequences

In the developed world, there is a trend to expose children to chickenpox and measles through parties. While this may seem harmless, it can result in severe health complications. Chickenpox can make adult males sterile and lead to shingles, a painful condition that can result in Bell's Palsy. For measles, personal anecdotes highlight the potential dangers. One night, my brother was delirious with a high fever, and my mother and I struggled to manage his suffering. This experience emphasizes the importance of protecting children through vaccination, as the consequences of illness can be profound and long-lasting.

Personal Experiences

My brothers and I have faced various health challenges from chickenpox and measles. Many people today have deep chickenpox scars, and both my mother and my youngest brother have experienced shingles and Bell's Palsy. My mother also had Bell's Palsy, which is a continuation of shingles. While there are vaccines available, many people struggle with access to healthcare, including medical insurance. This underscores the need for broader access to vaccines and healthcare services.

Conclusion: Embracing Divine Providence

While the Bible does not explicitly command getting vaccinated, its teachings on cleanliness, hygiene, and providence support the use of modern medical practices that prevent illness and suffering. Just as Jesus healed the sick, we should support those scientists and medical professionals who are blessed by God to prevent unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, the decision to vaccinate should be based on a deeper understanding of God's care and our responsibility to protect one another.