Written By: IJCP Editorial Team

Published On: 09 May, 2023 6:39 PM | Updated On: 15 May, 2024 6:45 PM

Immunization and Vaccine - Preventable Outbreaks

Immunization and vaccination are two of the most critical public health interventions that have tremendously impacted reducing deaths and suffering from infectious diseases. 

Vaccination works by introducing a weakened or killed version of a pathogen into the body. It allows the body to quickly and effectively fight off the infection in case of future encounters with the pathogen, thus preventing the development of the disease. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognize and respond to specific infectious agents, such as viruses or bacteria. While some vaccine-preventable diseases, such as smallpox, have been completely eradicated, others, like polio, still exist in some countries.

Immunization is the process of making a person immune to a particular disease by administering a vaccine. It is a safe and effective way to prevent infectious diseases and is recommended for all individuals, regardless of age. 

Immunization and Vaccine - Preventable Diseases

Immunization is an important tool in protecting against many potentially dangerous illnesses that provides an efficacious, safe, and cost-effective way of helping to protect against vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines are recommended for all individuals, and those with a higher risk of certain diseases may be strongly urged to get vaccinated.

1. Polio: Immunization provides protection against polio, a highly contagious virus mainly affecting young children. Vaccination is the only way to prevent this severe illness, especially in areas where polio is still present.

2. Tetanus: Vaccines for tetanus are available as part of a combination vaccine, such as DTaP or DTP, to protect against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. Both adults and children should receive regular vaccinations to maintain immunity against tetanus. It is also essential to get booster shots to ensure ongoing protection.

3. Flu (Influenza): It is a virus-borne contagious respiratory illness. People of all ages need to get immunized each year to help prevent the spread and reduce the severity of the disease if contracted.

4. Hepatitis: Vaccinating children and adults is the best way to prevent hepatitis A and B and the long-term health problems it can cause.

5. Rubella: Rubella, or German measles, is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause severe congenital disabilities if contracted during pregnancy. Vaccination is recommended for all children and adults and is especially important for women of childbearing age. 

6. Measles: Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus and can cause severe complications and even death. The measles vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles outbreaks and is recommended for all children and adults.

7. Pneumococcal Disease: Pneumococcal disease is the leading cause of pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, ear and sinus infections, bronchitis, and other illnesses. Vaccination can help reduce the number of cases of pneumococcal disease and the associated complications and are available for children and adults.

8. Rotavirus: Rotavirus infection causes severe diarrhea and vomiting in infants and young children leading to chronic dehydration, which can be life-threatening. A series of two or three doses of vaccination is recommended for all infants, especially in areas with high rates of rotavirus infection.

9. Mumps: Mumps is a contagious viral infection causing fever and swelling of the salivary glands. Complications include meningitis, encephalitis, and deafness. Vaccines against mumps are available in combination with other vaccines, such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) or measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV).

10. Chickenpox: Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection characterized by an itchy rash with red spots which can appear anywhere on the body. Chickenpox vaccine is recommended for all children, adolescents, and adults who have or have not had the disease.

In addition to routine vaccinations, some optional or elective vaccinations may be recommended or offered to certain individuals for various reasons. These may include 

• Travel to areas with a higher risk of disease

• Immunocompromised individuals

• People working in certain professions with a higher risk of exposure to certain clinical conditions. 

Examples of optional vaccinations include the HPV vaccine, meningococcal vaccine, rabies vaccine, etc.

Role of Vaccination during Disease Outbreaks and Pandemics 

Vaccination has been credited with eradicating smallpox, a once-devastating disease, and dramatically reducing cases of measles, mumps, rubella, and other diseases. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of vaccination. 

Immunization is indispensable in preventing disease outbreaks. Immunization is vital in preventing disease outbreaks and is thus critical for emergency prevention and preparedness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a schedule of vaccines for children, adolescents, and adults. Following this schedule and receiving all recommended vaccines is essential, as they provide the best protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. 

Skipping immunization may have devastating consequences. Outbreaks of infectious diseases can occur anywhere and have significant, sometimes concealed, impacts on society, health, and the economy. Factors such as low vaccination coverage, crowded living conditions, poor sanitation, malnutrition, and travel can increase the likelihood and severity of an outbreak. If we forgo immunization, we could face a dramatic surge in the number of people infected with various illnesses. The current low rate of cases could quickly increase to a staggering amount, with tens or even hundreds of thousands of individuals affected. 

Vaccination provides immunity. Vaccines not only protect ourselves and our families, but they also protect the people of all ages in our community who are unable to get certain vaccines, who are too young to get vaccinated, or who might be particularly susceptible to chronic diseases and their complications for other reasons like cancer or HIV. Vaccines also protect generations by keeping diseases that used to be more common from coming back. This concept is known as “community immunity” or “herd immunity.”

Vaccines are safe. Vaccines are safe, effective, and their benefits far outweigh the risks. In rare cases, vaccines may cause minor side effects, such as soreness at the injection site or a low-grade fever. Serious side effects are extremely rare and are closely monitored by healthcare professionals.

The bottom line

In conclusion, vaccines are critical to public health and play a crucial role in preventing and controlling outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Following the recommended vaccination schedule and maintaining good hygiene practices are necessary to protect oneself and the community. By staying up to date on vaccinations, we can help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases and ensure a healthier future for all.