Topic 8.2
How do vaccines and quarantine work together to protect global health, particularly in areas with limited resources?
Vaccines and quarantine are powerful tools in the fight against infectious diseases, especially in regions facing challenges like war, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare. This page explores how vaccines save lives by preventing diseases like cholera, even in the most vulnerable communities, and how quarantine is a safeguard to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens.
Vaccines can Change the World
In the following video, Prof. Booy explains the Cholera outbreak around the world. War, dirty water and poor vaccination rates caused an outbreak in 2018. In 2024, Cholera is again a major problem. Conflict and war, dirty water, and lack of vaccine supply all contribute to the problem.
Outside of clean drinking water, vaccines are the most effective way of protecting against infectious diseases.
What is Quarantine?
Quarantine is when a human or animal is isolated in a special place if they have been exposed to harmful diseases.
When the American astronauts returned from the moon, they were quarantined for 30 days. Scientists were worried that they may have brought back harmful, unknown bacteria.
In the video below, Prof. Booy explains quarantine, shows some examples in Sydney and discusses why it is helpful to protect the traveller and the local community.