Vaccination and Immunization

Vaccination and Immunization: Immunization is one of the most effective health investments and a crucial part of primary healthcare in terms of prevention against some of the deadliest diseases. Vaccinations are an essential part of the immunization process to prevent and manage infectious outbreaks by enhancing the body's natural immunity to create protection and reduce your chance of getting affected by certain critical diseases.

Differences Between Vaccination and Immunization

Objectives of Immunization

What are Vaccines?

Components of a Vaccine

• Antigen: It is a weakened or dead version of a virus or bacteria that triggers the body’s immune response to identify and combat the illness.
• Adjuvants : They improve the effectiveness of the product by supporting and strengthening the immune system.
• Preservatives: They guarantee the efficacy for a longer period of time.
• Stabilizers : They safeguard the medicine from damage during transportation and storage.

How Many Doses of Vaccinations Are Required?

Effectiveness of Vaccination

• A community with high vaccination rates is more immune to vaccine-preventable diseases. In such situations, even those with low resistance are less likely to be affected by these diseases because of its low prevalence in the community.
• Vaccines like the whooping cough give protection to approximately 8 out of 10 people. In the event of a disease outbreak, these vaccinations hold significant safeguards by lowering the risk of generating a life-threatening illness.
• Immunization benefits don’t last throughout the lifespan of an individual. Tetanus vaccines have a maximum effectiveness of 10 years, based on your age; beyond that, a booster dose will be required to regain your immunity.
• It is recommended to administer the influenza vaccine every year because the most frequent strain of the flu virus in the community varies from year to year.

Side Effects of Vaccination

Pre-Conditions for Vaccination

• People undergoing treatment for chronic illnesses or therapies that might affect the immune system (e.g., chemotherapy).
• Severe allergies to the chemicals in vaccines that might endanger lives.
• The person is seriously ill and has a high temperature.