Vaccines work. They prevent diseases and save lives, and governments worldwide have national vaccination programmes to protect you and your loved ones against potentially life-threatening illnesses.
In this article, we will discuss vaccination, its importance, some critical issues relating to vaccines and the current vaccination schedule in Nigeria.
What is a Vaccine?
A vaccine is a weakened or dead form of disease-causing microorganisms or parts of the microorganism that is introduced to the body to trigger a mock immune response. When the vaccine succeeds in eliciting an immune response in your body, you become immunized.
Through immunization, your white blood cells produce antibodies that neutralize microorganisms when they invade. When you are then exposed to an active microorganism that can cause an actual disease, your immune system recognizes and eliminates it quickly.
Vaccines work when you get them before you contract a disease. It prepares you ahead to fight the disease. That’s why you must get vaccinated early and encourage more people to get their vaccine shots, too.
What is Vaccination?
Vaccination is the act of giving someone a vaccine to protect them from a disease. It prompts the body to respond better to infections, and ensures that we do not get really sick from common infections.
Thanks to vaccination, we have been able to eradicate or minimize the impact of diseases like polio, smallpox, tetanus, whooping cough, and measles.
Why is Vaccination Important?
Vaccines are a great way to prevent infections and diseases, but their importance goes beyond prevention. Other important benefits of vaccines include
- Herd Immunity: Vaccinating enough people can protect everyone, especially those who cannot or are yet to receive the vaccine. So, when you get vaccinated, you’ll protect yourself and your family and community.
- Life-Saving and Disease Burden Reduction: Vaccines prevent infections with life-threatening bacteria and viruses, saving lives and lessening the disease burden on healthcare systems.
- Reduction of Disease Severity: Vaccines mount an immediate and effective immune response, reducing the need for extensive medical treatment and hospitalisation, which can be costly for individuals and the healthcare system.
- Protection of Future Generations: Vaccines prevent disease transmission through generations by eradicating them.
- Special Protection for Vulnerable Groups: Vaccines protect pregnant women, infants, and young children who are more likely to develop severe complications from vaccine-preventable infections.
