Importance of Vaccination in preventing Diseases

By Dr. Indusree V

Vaccines, as we know, are the greatest inventions in the medical field for the longest of times. If it wouldn’t have been for Edward Jenner who developed the first vaccine against smallpox, which led to the development of other vaccines, a lot of the population would have been suffering from even more dreadful diseases.

EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT IN PREVENTING DISEASES THROUGH VACCINES

A lot of diseases to date have been under control, or, one could say have been eradicated because of vaccines. The Universal Immunization Program launched by the Government of India is a game-changer in the medical field, which provides a structured plan and guidance for administering vaccines according to age and other associated conditions. The diseases covered under the Universal Immunization Program include - Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, polio, and childhood diseases such as Diphtheria, measles, mumps, rotavirus( a common cause of childhood diarrhea), meningitis and pneumonia caused by Hemophilus influenza B, Japanese encephalitis and tetanus.

Polio and smallpox are classic examples of diseases that were eradicated with aggressive vaccination. The last reported case of polio was in 2014. This however doesn’t give the liberty to refuse vaccination against polio. It is always better to be safe than sorry. One can visit https://www.nhp.gov.in/universal-immunisation-programme_pg for more details on vaccination. Vaccination drives and camps have been set up to reach the rural and tribal areas to cover much of the above-mentioned population with vaccination, yet there is an unreachable part of the population who does not receive these services.

IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATION AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Vaccination among healthcare workers is essential in preventing the acquisition of diseases through contact with affected patients. Hepatitis B which causes infection of the liver and eventually liver failure can be acquired through contact with body fluids/secretions of affected patients. It is henceforth advised for healthcare workers to regularly check their antibody titres and get vaccinated with either booster doses or retaking the 2 dose vaccination with a gap of 4 weeks between the 1st dose and 2nd dose or a 3 dose series of Recombivax HB or Engerix -B as recommended by the CDC. In the Indian hospital setup, 2 dose regime is most commonly followed. The other diseases that health care workers should be cautious of are flu(influenza), chickenpox, and Meningitis (by Neisseria meningitides, especially microbiologists).

VACCINES IN ADULTS?

Vaccines are not only for childhood disease, but there is an Adult Immunization schedule provided to cover diseases such as Pneumococcal meningitis, in people with special conditions such as chronic heart, lung, kidney diseases, and other immunocompromised individuals. The CDC provides a schedule for vaccination in adults. It is however not necessary for every adult individual to get these vaccines, but it is mainly meant for people in immunocompromised states and other conditions to protect them from diseases such as meningitis, influenza, etc.

FEMALES, TAKE A NOTE!

Another important disease that can be prevented in adult females is HPV infections. The HPV vaccine is usually administered to young girls in the age group of 9-11 years. However, if women haven’t received the vaccine in the above-said age group, it is always recommended to get the vaccine, especially if one belongs to the age group of 26-45, after discussing it with your doctor. Human papillomavirus(HPV) causes genital warts, and cervical cancer depending on the type of strain affected. Gardasil-9 is the most commonly used vaccine now. It covers 9 strains of HPV that majorly cause genital warts and cervical cancer. The vaccine, however, doesn't protect against an ongoing disease nor does it reduce the severity of the disease in affected individuals. Men do not develop the above-mentioned conditions but can acquire it sexually and the virus can cause penile cancer, and anal cancer. Hence the CDC also recommends the vaccine for men in the age group of 9 through 26.

COVID-19 - NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN!

Not to forget, the novel coronavirus shook the world for 2 long years, which challenged the scientists in developing a vaccine against the disease. Several types of vaccines have been developed against the coronavirus with varying efficacies. A large number of the population is yet to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. There have been taboos spreading around about the vaccine causing the disease, or the falsification of the side effects. The after-effects of the disease have taken a toll on the affected individuals who continue to live with the consequences of the virus leading to severe lung damage. These people still require oxygen and steroids regularly to support themselves from becoming hypoxic. So, if you haven’t been vaccinated yet, it is important to contact your doctor and get yourself vaccinated appropriately.

TRAILS CONTINUE

Several studies and trials are being conducted on the development of vaccines against HIV. Hopefully, the vaccines get developed soon so that they can prevent one of the dreadful diseases known- HIV.

ALWAYS VISIT YOUR PHYSICIAN

To conclude, always talk to your physician regarding vaccinations for your child, parents, and yourself to prevent the acquisition of diseases which can be easily prevented by vaccines.

References

1) https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/hcw.html

2) https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/public/

3) https://www.nhp.gov.in/universal-immunisation-programme_pg

Indu Sree, is a Doctor by day, artist by night and a curious soul all in all. She likes to dabble in many things, stir many pots and through MedBound, she is exploring her budding passion for engaging with healthcare professionals as well as effectively communicating credible, actionable information regarding well-being of all.