Vaccinations
What are vaccines?
Vaccines are preparations that stimulate a person’s immune system to produce immunity to diseases and infections by stimulating the body to produce antibodies. Vaccines are able to do this because they contain agents that resemble the disease-causing organism it is trying to prevent. These agents either are weakened or killed versions of the microbe, one of the toxins the microbe produces or a protein that is part of the microbe. Vaccination has been the most effective methods of preventing infectious diseases and have been responsible for worldwide eradication of smallpox.
Historical reference
The theory of “vaccination” has been around since the 10th century in China. The Chinese practiced the method of variolation, where they would blow powdered smallpox material up the nostrils.
In the 1760’s, Edward Jenner, an apprentice working as a surgeon/apothecary, noted that farm workers were not affected by the fatal smallpox epidemic because they had already been exposed to cowpox, a similar, but much milder virus.
The famous Louis Pasteur developed vaccines for cholera and anthrax. Since then, we have seen the introduction of several vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio and smallpox. Smallpox has been eradicated worldwide in the 1960’s and 1970’s due to vaccination.
Why are vaccines important? Are they safe?
Because of reasons mentioned above, we can see why vaccines play such a vital role in preventing serious life-threatening diseases. Many of these diseases cause serious complications. For example, Polio causes paralysis of arms, legs and respiratory muscles. Due to the respiratory side effects, children can die from not being able to breath. Thankfully, due to widespread vaccination, polio has been eliminated in the US!
Vaccines go through an extensive process of testing and becoming approved for use in the US. Every vaccine is tested by the FDA in clinical trials which determine safety, dosing and side effects. Several committees meet to determine safety, efficacy, number needed to treat and seriousness of the disease. Once these vaccines are deemed safe and effective, they are ready to be recommended by the CDC.
Many parents and patients worry about the ingredients in vaccines. Each ingredients plays a certain role in the vaccination process, such as preserving the vaccine and preventing them from being contaminated with bacteria or fungus; stabilizers allow the active ingredient continue to work; active ingredients are either antigens or adjuvants which is what gives our bodies the actual immunity we need.
Why did the “Anti-vaxxer” movement start?
In 1997, Andrew Wakefield published a study in The Lancet that suggested that the MMR vaccine, specifically an ingredient called Thimerosal, increased the risk of autism in children. Since then, the paper has been discredited due to financial conflicts of interest, ethical violations and serious procedural errors. Nine CDC-funded studies conducted since then have found NO link between Thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism, or the MMR vaccine and autism.
Who should be vaccinated?
Ideally, everyone should be up to date on all immunizations. However, it is most important for vulnerable populations such as infants/children, elderly patients, patients with underlying health conditions and pregnant women to remain updated with immunizations. Due to their immune system being either underdeveloped or compromised, vaccines can either begin to develop the immune system or offer extra protection in cases of immunosuppression.
What vaccines are important for healthcare workers?
Hepatitis B, Influenza, MMR, Tdap, and varicella are recommended for all healthcare workers including physicians, nurses, ER personnel, dental professionals, labs techs, pharmacists, hospital volunteers, and even administrative staff. Meningococcal is recommended for those who are routinely exposed to N. Meningitis isolates.
FAQ about vaccines
Head to the CDC’s website for more information and answers on common questions surrounding vaccines!
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/common-faqs.htm
CDC vaccination schedule:
Head to the CDC website for more information on what vaccines are recommended for you or your child and
Children: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html
Adults: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/hcw.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaccine
https://www.publichealth.org/public-awareness/understanding-vaccines/vaccine-myths-debunked/
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism.html
https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/safety/side_effects