Why Vaccines Matter and How They Protect You
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. It is an opportunity to highlight the importance of vaccination in the prevention of serious diseases. Did you know there are vaccines that can prevent certain types of cancer? Vaccines are not only important for young children, but also for teens and adults. There are many myths about vaccines that we will talk about and plenty of just plain false information online. Let’s talk more about this important topic.
What are vaccines?
Vaccines are one of the most effective tools in modern medicine for preventing infectious diseases. They work by safely exposing the immune system to a small, harmless component of a virus or bacteria. This “practice run” helps your body recognize and fight the real infection if you ever encounter it. Vaccines don’t just protect individuals; they help protect entire communities.How do vaccines protect you?
Vaccines strengthen your immune system by creating immune memory. This memory allows your body to respond quickly and effectively to infections, often preventing illness entirely. Even when infections do occur, vaccinated individuals typically experience milder symptoms and fewer complications.
What diseases do vaccines prevent?
Many illnesses that were once common, and often deadly, are now rare thanks to vaccination. Although some are increasing in frequency due to declining vaccination rates. These include:
- Measles
- Polio
- Whooping cough (pertussis)
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) – A bacteria that causes deadly meningitis in infants and young children.
- Tetanus
- Flu (Influenza)
- Hepatitis B – A virus that attacks the liver, causing cirrhosis and even liver cancer.
- Hepatitis A
- Meningococcus – A bacteria that causes deadly meningitis in teens and young adults
- Pneumococcus – A bacteria that causes pneumonia in older adults or in younger people who are immune compromised, particularly those who have had their spleen removed.
- Mumps
- Rubella – A virus that causes fever and a rash in those infected. If a pregnant woman is infected, it causes serious birth defects or even death of the baby.
- RSV – respiratory syncytial virus
- COVID-19
- Rotavirus
- Shingles
- HPV – A virus that can cause cancer of the cervix in women or penis in men
What is “herd immunity” and why is it important?
When enough people in a community are vaccinated, infections struggle to spread. This protects those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants, people receiving chemotherapy, or individuals with certain immune conditions. Herd immunity is especially important for highly contagious diseases like measles.
Are vaccines safe?
Vaccines undergo rigorous testing before approval and continuous monitoring afterward. Side effects are usually mild, such as soreness or low-grade fever, and serious reactions are rare. The benefits of vaccination overwhelmingly outweigh the risks. Research has shown that vaccines do not cause or increase the risk of autism.
Next week, we’ll focus on vaccine myths, how to talk about vaccines with hesitant family members, and what to expect at your next vaccination visit.
If you have any questions about immunization, please log into your account and send us your question. We are here to help.
Dr. Anita Bennett MD – Health Tip Content Editor