Centuries ago, infectious diseases like smallpox and polio had no cure and was a worldwide problem. These were diseases that easily spread between humans and led to the deaths of millions.
Of those who survived, many have suffered long term permanent complications from the disease. Those who had smallpox were disfigured and many children were left paralyzed after recovering from polio.
Today, smallpox has been eradicated from the world and polio is a very rare occurrence. This success was made possible by the invention of the vaccine.
What is a vaccine?
Our body’s immune system is responsible for protecting us against germs in our environment. When germs enter our bodies, they are detected by our immune system.
Our body responds by destroying these germs. Additionally, the immune system has a method of “remembering” these germs. It can then swiftly destroy the germs if they appear in the future.
Well! That sounds simple enough! Can we just get exposed to dangerous germs and become immune?
Not exactly…
In the case of deadly diseases, the immune system may not have enough time to react before the body is completely overwhelmed by the disease.
This is the basis of a vaccine.
A vaccine contains germs that cause disease, but they do not make you sick. These germs have either been killed or weakened.
When this vaccine is administered to an individual, the immune system produces antibodies.
These antibodies will protect you if you happen to get the disease in the future. This makes you immune to the disease without having to get infected first.
Vaccination has been a powerful way to prevent many deadly outbreaks such as polio, measles, and tuberculosis.
Benefits of vaccination
Vaccination saves lives
Many of the diseases which vaccines protect against still exist in our environment. Being vaccinated will protect you against these harmful diseases.
As an example, small outbreaks of Diphtheria occur in unvaccinated communities in Malaysia. This is largely preventable. It is better to be safe than sorry!
Vaccinations save time and money
If an outbreak occurs in a community of unvaccinated people, chances are high that they will need to be treated in the hospital.
If a child contracts a vaccine-preventable disease, the parents will need to fork out money for treatment and take a leave from work to care for the child. Not to mention, the child may be at risk for long term complications of the disease.
For example, a vaccine-preventable disease like Diphtheria can lead to heart problems and nerve damage in the future. And this could have been prevented with a simple vaccination!
Vaccination protects the community
Certain groups of individuals are unable to receive vaccines. Those with a weak immune system from leukemia or severe allergies are some examples. By getting vaccinated, we help protect the spread of deadly germs to these vulnerable groups.
Vaccination protects the future generation
We do not need a smallpox vaccine today as the previous generation had eradicated the disease through vaccination efforts.
If we vaccinate now, our future generation will not need to worry about these diseases existing anymore.
Side effects of vaccination
Like many medications, some mild side effects may occur. Fortunately, long term side effects are very rare due to the rigorous testing a vaccine needs to go through before being available to the public. Certain individuals may develop a severe allergic reaction to the disease, but it is almost 1 in a million.
Examples of side effects:
- Mild fever
- Pain, swelling at the site of injection
- Muscle and joint ache
Some adults may feel uneasy to expose themselves or their children to the side effects of vaccines. However, most of these side-effects resolve quickly and do not cause long term harm. Additionally, the risk of not having immunity to a preventable deadly disease should be a cause for concern.
Aside from compulsory childhood vaccinations, there are other types of vaccines for adults. Examples are influenza and typhoid vaccine.
Influenza vaccine
The ‘flu’ is a highly contagious viral infection that affects our airway. It is a seasonal problem that comes back every year. Outbreaks of flu occur most often in October to January or April to August.
It can cause symptoms such as high fever, body aches, and cough. Some individuals may develop severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and will need to be hospitalized.
These individuals may include children and the elderly, who are most vulnerable to developing ‘flu’ complications.
An outbreak in the community will lead to adults taking leave from work causing a loss of productivity in the workplace. Children may also be absent from school and miss out on important classes. It would also be a strain on finances in the event of a hospitalization.
By getting vaccinated, not only can you save time and money, but also your loved ones.
Since this disease is easily spread from person to person, it is advisable to get the vaccine if available.
Typhoid vaccine
Typhoid fever is caused by a bacterial infection of the gut. This bacterium is often spread by an infected person handling food products and water. Areas with poor water sanitation and flooded areas are particularly susceptible to an outbreak.
The symptoms include extreme tiredness, diarrhoea and a rash on the body. Severe life-threatening illness may develop, causing bleeding in the intestines.
There are 2 types of typhoid vaccine:
Inactivated typhoid vaccine
This vaccine is administered as an injection. It is available for individuals above 2 years old. Immunity will last 2 years.
Live typhoid vaccine
This vaccine is taken by mouth. It can be given to anyone above 6 years old. Immunity will last for a longer 5-year period.
So, who needs the typhoid vaccine?
It is recommended for travellers to countries where typhoid is common and humanitarian workers in flood areas.
The Malaysian government has also mandated that restaurant workers handling food will also need to be vaccinated.
In conclusion, vaccines are a low-risk way of preventing the spread of deadly infectious diseases. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also your loved ones from getting a disease.
References:
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/vpd-vac-basics.html
- https://www.vaccines.gov/get-vaccinated/for_parents/five_reasons
- https://mpaeds.my/vaccine-preventable-diseases-spike/
- https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/safety/side_effects
- https://healthmetrics.co/m/guide-for-hrs-influenza-flu-vaccine-for-malaysian-companies/
- https://www.iamat.org/country/malaysia/risk/typhoid-fever
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/typhoid.html