Barbara. A number of points. Firstly, personally, in my opinion I think the medical profession in the western world, particularly in the US, often turns to medication before looking at alternatives such as dietary changes, exercise, etc. Secondly, having said that, obviously many illnesse do need intervention and medicines to control or cure with drugs and to prevent with vaccines. (Although, was a drug like Thalidomide essential? However, I believe new uses for it have now been found.) Thirdly, you mention two examples out of numerous drugs developed over the years. Fourthly, vaccines against polio, smallpox, typhoid, etc and drugs such as antibiotics, steroids, antimalarial, anthistomines and many others have been life changing - and saving - for many. One could argue that some drugs for minor ailments are unnecessary and perhaps perhaps the risk or side effects might out way the benefits, but in a middle of a pandemic where people's lives are disrupted, a significant number are dying and economies are in shambles I thing the use of well of vaccines that have been approved by independent regulators is on balance a low risk and one worth taking.
Michael Ixer ● 1959d