It is an afternoon in a crowded schoolyard. Playful shouts are all over the place, and children are chasing each other with carefree abandon. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. But what if a hidden germ is about to change everything? A child who has not been vaccinated may carry the germ without even knowing it. This virus can spread to others whose immune systems are weaker and can lead to severe health conditions. Immunization helps your body to build a healthy immune system. That’s the reason why vaccines are so important! This scenario can become a reality if we don’t protect ourselves and our community with the help of immunization. Vaccinations for children are as essential as they are for adults. Want to learn how immunization keeps you safe? Keep reading!
Immunization is a process that helps your body defend itself against diseases. It involves receiving a vaccine, a weakened or inactive form of a germ (such as a virus or bacteria). Vaccines teach your immune system how to address and fight off specific diseases. The primary purpose of immunization is to help you build a healthy immune system.
Vaccines act like a training program for your body. The vaccine may be a weakened version of the germ, a piece of it, or a small amount of something that that particular germ makes.
This triggers your immune system to spring into action. It makes proteins called antibodies that target the germ. Then, if you later encounter the real germ, your immune system recognizes it immediately. Those antibodies fight it off, preventing you from getting sick.
Vaccines are vital because they protect us from getting seriously sick with dangerous diseases. They keep us healthy and help us live longer lives. Plus, they also stop the spread of diseases to other people and help you keep a healthy immune system.
Herd immunity is when a lot of people in a community become immune to a particular disease. This can occur when many people recover from the illness and develop immunity or when people get vaccinated. The best part is that herd immunity makes spreading the disease much tougher. This means that even those who weren‘t immunized themselves can still be protected! It’s like having a shield around the whole community that keeps everyone safe and sound.
In hemophilia type B, your blood does not clot quickly if you get a cut. You will go on bleeding way longer if compared to the average person.
Since late 2020, COVID-19 vaccines have been a lifesaver! These vaccines have greatly reduced deaths from the pandemic by more than half. Thanks to these vaccines, over 1.4 million people in Europe who might have gotten very sick are still alive and well. The vaccines were beneficial for people over 60, who are more at risk from this virus. In fact, the first round of booster shots alone saved over 700,000 lives!
Please note that these schedules can vary slightly depending on your location and individual health factors. It’s always best to consult your doctor for a personalized plan.
Children and Adolescents
Schedule: 5 doses in childhood (2, 4, 6, 15-18 months, 4-6 years)
Booster (Tdap) is recommended for adults at 11-12 years, then every 10 years.
Schedule: 3-4 doses in childhood, depending on the vaccine brand
Schedule: 2 doses starting at 12 months
Schedule: 3 doses starting at birth
Schedule: 2 doses recommended before age 15; 3 doses if started after age 15
Schedule: Annually from 6 months of age and throughout life
Schedule: 2 doses in childhood (12-15 months, 4-6 years)
Schedule: Dose at 11-12 years with booster at 16 years. Additional doses might be needed for high-risk individuals.
Schedule: 4 doses in childhood, additional type recommended for adults 65+
Schedule: 4 doses in childhood
Schedule: 2-3 doses in infancy, depending on vaccine brand a
Schedule: 2 doses in childhood
Schedules and booster recommendations vary. Consult your doctor.
Schedule: Recommended for adults 50+
You’ll need to schedule an appointment at your local health center to get your vaccinations. You can register yourself on Cellmaflex to schedule an appointment. Many organizations usually have one or two days a week just for giving vaccines. Call the health center closest to you to find out their schedule. You can find a list of health centers on Cellmaflex or by clicking the link below. Some private doctors also offer vaccines. Please remember that hospitals generally only give tetanus shots, so go to your health center or doctor for other vaccinations. Don’t wait! Register today and take a first towards a healthy immune system.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information is strictly for informative purposes. It is not intended to be used in lieu of professional medical advice, inclusive of diagnosis or treatment. It is strongly advised that you seek a doctor’s medical advice on any treatment or medical condition that you learn about