EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
I went to the doctors yesterday for my annual physical. the usual things occurred, you know BP check, listen to the lungs, listen to the heart, tap here, tap there, questions about safety and thoughts of self-harm, standard right? The final statement was, "you are due for some vaccines, the Flu, Pneumonia, Shingles, Covid and Tetanus. Are you doing any or none?" I looked at him sideways and replied, "I'll do the Tetanus it's been over 10 years, and I might inadvertently step on a rusty nail or get bit by a human."
Come with me as we take a closer look at vaccines and immunity.
Vaccines has played a crucial role in public health by helping to prevent the spread of infectious disease and save millions of lives. There is always a debate about the efficacy of vaccines and misinformation about its ability to prevent disease. This blog aims to provide an evidence-based perspective on vaccines, their benefits, risks and the science behind them. The goals are to assist you in making an informative choice on whether or not to vaccinate.
Fact to Consider: Pneumonia can be caused by various bacteria, viruses and fungi. The Pneumonia vaccine, Prevnar20 is designed to protect against 20 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, therefore vaccination doesn't provide complete protection.
What are Vaccines? Vaccines are biological substances designed to stimulate the immune system and fight harmful pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. They work by mimicking infections, allowing the body to build immunity without causing illness.
Benefits of Vaccines: Disease prevention, Herd immunity and reduce healthcare cost.
Myths VS Facts
Myth: Vaccines cause Autism. Fact: Extensive studies has eradicated or reduced the link between vaccine and autism.
Myth: Natural immunity is better than vaccine induced immunity. Fact: Natural infection can provide immunity, but it comes with the severe risk of infection. Vaccines offer a safer alternative to gaining immunity without suffering from disease or infection complications.
Myth: Vaccines contain harmful toxins. Fact: Vaccine ingredients are carefully tested for safety.
When discussing vaccines there are two key concepts that we need to understand. Having an understanding of these concepts can explain why some vaccines prevent infection entirely and others reduce the severity of illness. Having an understanding of Sterilizing and Partial Immunity is key.
What is the difference between Partial Immunity and Sterilizing Immunity?
I. Partial Immunity: Occurs when a vaccine does not completely block infection but reduces the severity of disease. Vaccinated persons may still contract the virus, but their symptoms are milder with a reduced severity of complications/hospitalizations and the likelihood of transmission is lower and immunity may decrease over time requiring a booster.
Example: Covid 19; Influenza; Pneumonia, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
II. Sterilizing Immunity: Is the strongest type of immunity because it completely prevents a virus or bacteria from infecting your body. The pathogen cannot enter your cell, multiply or spread. Vaccines like the Measles Vaccine provide Sterilizing Immunity. Vaccines that provide Sterilizing Immunity is always a live virus.
Conclusion: Even if a Vaccine doesn't provide Sterilizing Immunity, Partial Immunity is still highly beneficial to help reduce the severity of illness and disease complications. It also slows the spread of disease, decrease recovery time and protects vulnerable populations. Knowing what type of vaccine your health care provider is recommending allows you to make an educated and informed decision on whether to vaccinate yourself or family.
Comments and Ideas are welcome.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!!! BE IMPOWERED!!
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