The Importance of Vaccines in Disease Prevention

Vaccines are drugs based on biological products, usually microorganisms that serve to prevent infectious diseases. They are currently on the agenda due to the emergence of COVID-19.

The mechanism of action of the vaccines consists of activating our organism so that it develops specific defenses against each disease. That is, when receiving a vaccine, our immune system produces antibodies against the germs it contains, providing immunity against future encounters with the offending microbe. Learn about DNA sequencing on the Eurofins genomics blog.

1. The Most Common Vaccines

The vaccines most administered in our country are those that deal with viruses and bacteria that cause diseases such as hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B, meningococcus C, pneumococcus, measles, rubella, mumps, chickenpox, human papillomavirus, rotavirus, hepatitis A, influenza, and now also those related to COVID-19.

2. Vaccine Safety

Currently, vaccines are very safe, and adverse effects from vaccination are minimal. Approximately only one person in a million who have been vaccinated experiences serious adverse reactions, such as anaphylactic shock or encephalopathy. Also, most unwanted reactions are mild and transient. The most commons are:

• Temporary pain
• Swelling,
• Redness at the puncture site
• Fever

3. When Should You Not Be Vaccinated?

A vaccine is only contraindicated when the danger of adverse reactions due to vaccination is greater than the risk of suffering the disease if we do not get vaccinated. There are some cases in which the doctor or pediatrician, taking into account the health status and characteristics of the patient, may decide not to vaccinate a person.

Generally, they include:

• When you’re allergic to the substance to be administered or to any of its components
• If you are seriously ill
• If you are pregnant
• If you have any immunodeficiency

In any case, it will always be the doctor who indicates whether or not a person should be vaccinated.

4. Vaccines In Babies

The first year of life is decisive for children. Throughout its first months, the baby is in a moment of great evolution and transformation of its body. Its immune system is weak because it is in the process of maturing. In this context, vaccines can become a preventive and protective measure against certain diseases and infections.

Usually, when a baby is born, they provide a health card and a vaccination schedule that specifies the diseases against which you need to vaccinate.

5. Why Are They So Important?

Vaccines save lives. They are an essential resource to deal with the microorganisms that cause serious diseases. They can present complications or sequelae and on some occasions, can even cause the death of the affected person.

By getting vaccinated, in addition to preserving your health, you protect that of people who cannot be vaccinated. The fact is that the more individuals are vaccinated, the more complicated the circulation of infectious agents will be.

Continuing to administer vaccines for these infectious diseases is essential to avoid new outbreaks and epidemics. Many of these diseases are still frequent in other countries. Likewise, in the past, it has been possible to eradicate diseases that a few years ago caused great epidemics and numerous victims, such as smallpox. It is also possible to control the number of people who contract diseases such as measles or polio.

6. False Contraindications

The belief has spread that certain groups of the population should not be vaccinated, in case it implies any risk to their health. But the truth is that, unless a doctor indicates otherwise, they can.

Such people include:

• People who are following an antibiotic-based treatment
• Sick people, with the flu, diarrhea, or a low fever
• Pregnant
• During lactation
• If you have a history of nonspecific allergy
• If you have suffered a mild reaction to a previous dose
• If you have recently been exposed to an infectious disease
• Premature children, with asthma or with epilepsy

Always remember that only the doctor can determine whether or not a person should be vaccinated and when.