IMMUNISATION: PROS AND CONS
Written by: Caroline Meyer
Our immune systems are designed to help protect us against a variety of pathogens. It works quite efficiently most of the time without us even realizing it. Our immune works to kill pathogens or otherwise stop them affecting our health. Some pathogens manage to overwhelm our immune systems due to the pathogen being very strong or our immune system not being strong enough to withstand the onslaught.
Most of the pathogens that are able to run rampant in our system are pathogens that are not recognized as such by the immune and as such, we are not able to resist the infections. This can result in serious illnesses and even death. This is where vaccinations come in. Vaccinations are designed to help our immune system recognize certain pathogens and once recognized, our bodies are able to fight off the germs before they can cause harm. So vaccinations are really just a way of preparing our immune in case we are ever exposed to certain illnesses. Vaccinations work as a preventative so that the diseases are unable to take hold and make use sick. Vaccinations have been developed for a number of diseases such as polio, measles, whooping cough and tetanus. Ensuring you and your children are vaccinated not only protects you but also prevents the spread of these serious diseases within communities in general.
How do vaccinations work?
Our immune system is made up of a number of different types of cells. These cells are designed to help prevent infection as well as get rid of harmful pathogens that invade the body. Before they can do so, they have to be able to recognize these germs as being harmful to the body. This is what vaccinations do. It helps the body recognize pathogens and build up cells that will defend against the specific diseases should you be exposed to them. They will remember the antigens that cause the infections and be able to mount a resistance quickly and efficiently if infected in the future.
The vaccination consists of a safe version of a specific disease in the form of a weakened pathogen, a toxoid which contains toxins made by the pathogen, an inactive or dead form of the pathogen or a sugar or protein included in the pathogens makeup. Your own immune then responds to the vaccine by mounting an immune response. You are then equipped to fight off the pathogen. The vaccines are most often given as an injection containing an antigen (the material your immune has to recognize) and an adjuvant. The adjuvant sends a warning to your body of danger which helps your immune spring in to action immediately to fight off the infection. This then develops your immunity.
Schedule of Vaccinations
It is important, especially for infants that they are vaccinated according to the timeline required and that they receive all the doses. Some are given immediately after birth and others require multiple doses before they are considered to be fully operational.
Hepatitis B vaccines are given at birth, a second vaccination at 1 to 2 months and a third vaccination at 6 to 18 months. The Rotavirus vaccine is given at 2 months, 4 months and 6 months. The DTaP vaccination (diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough) is given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and at 16 to 18 months. It is recommended to get another one every 10 years thereafter. Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) and Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV13 is given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and a final one at 12 to 15 months.
IPV or Inactivate Polio Vaccine is given at 2 months, 4 months, between 6 and 18 months and a final vaccine at 4 to 6 years. The MMR or measles, mumps, rubella vaccination is given at 12 to 15 months and again at 4 to 6 years. Influenza vaccine is given at 6 months for the 1st time and is usually repeated annually. Varicella vaccine is given at 12 to 15 months and again at 4 to 6 years.
Hepatitis A is given at 12 to 23 months with a 2nd shot 6 months after the first. HPV or Human papillomavirus is given at between 11 and 12 years old with a second shot 6 months afterwards. Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) is done at 11 to 12 years old with a booster at 16 years old. The Serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) is done at 16 to 18 years old.
Pneumococcal (PPSV23) is recommended at any age after 19. The Herpes zoster (Shingles—RZV formulation) is usually done as two doses at 50 years old.
Vaccinations Are Safe
Vaccines undergo a rigorous set of clinical trials and studies after research has been completed to ensure they are safe before they are released for use by the general public. There is an overwhelming amount of research on the current vaccines proving their effectiveness and safety. Any side effects are minimal and are usually extremely mild. Being exposed to the pathogens without having being vaccinated can result in severe illness and death. The potential for extremely mild side effects, if any, is worth bearing instead of dying from a preventable illness.
The Positives
Vaccinations help prevent many dangerous illnesses that can cause harm to the body and even result in death. Vaccines are well researched and extensively tested and also checked by regulating authorities before being deemed as safe for use by the general public. Vaccines protect you and your loved ones and also those around you that cannot be vaccinated due to other serious conditions. Vaccination also prevents the spread of deadly illnesses in communities where there are many unvaccinated people.
The Negatives
People with weakened immune systems may not be able to have vaccinations or may only be able to have vaccinations under supervision and constant vigilance. The vaccinations are made with a variety of different components and you may experience different reactions to the various vaccines. While most vaccines may be fine, you may experience a mild allergic reaction to a certain vaccine. If you have had an allergic reaction to a vaccine in the past, you are likely to experience the reaction again at any follow up vaccines or boosters. It is still possible to contract the illness even if you have been vaccinated, though this is fairly rare. Most people will not experience side effects and those that do, they are typically quite mild. Potential side effects include: muscle weakness, fever, pain at the site or in the joints near the site, swelling and redness at the injection site, sleep disturbances, fatigue, hearing, vision and memory loss, muscle paralysis in a certain area of the body and seizures.
Risk factors of experiencing side effects include being ill at the time of the vaccine, having a family history of reactions to vaccines or having a suppressed or weakened immune system. It is extremely rare to suffer from a life-threatening reaction to a vaccine. There is a much higher chance of contracting the disease and dying as a result of not being vaccinated as opposed to the rare chance of a fatality from the vaccine itself.
Vaccinations In Children
Infants from vaccinated mothers have a natural immunity in the first few months, but thereafter they are susceptible to these serious, debilitating illnesses unless they are vaccinated. Vaccines protect your child from diseases that can be carried by friends, family, classmates and care givers. This is extremely important to protect infants while their immune system is still gaining strength, along with the boosters at school going age to help bolster their defences. Immunisation prevents up to 3 million deaths per year, so there really should be no reason not to have your chid immunised.