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National Vaccination Day: Attack Common Illnesses with Vaccination

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While the COVID-19 pandemic made vaccines a buzzword in the last couple of years, all countries have been running immunization programmes for years to ensure the wellbeing of pregnant women, infants, children, and the elderly. Pulse polio, measles, and hepatitis B are some of the common vaccines, for instance. Still, in many developing nations, not everyone gets vaccinated and the reasons can range from logistics issues to unawareness. But the result can be dangerous in such cases. So, it is important to know what a vaccine is, how it works,and how it helps. Also, make sure you are covered financially by the right medical insurance policy in case something untoward happens despite taking precautions.

Things you need to know about vaccines

The Dos

• Vaccines protect us from many potentially life-threatening, deadly diseases.

• They prevent the spread of a disease, and therefore, protect those who are more susceptible to infections.

• Vaccines are released for use after undergoing various rigorous testing and clinical trials.

• They are monitored for side effects and steps are taken to rectify them in case the side effects prove to be severe.

• However, they do cause mild side effects like fever, body ache, or headache, which usually dissipate within a couple of days.

• Some diseases were eradicated because most people get vaccinated against them.

The Don’ts

• Vaccines don’t cause any mental disorders or severe allergies.

• They don’t weaken the immune system (a child can be given different vaccines at a time, but you should do it only after consultation with a doctor).

• Vaccines don’t contain mercury or any other substance that is meant to harm the human body.

Why vaccines are important

Vaccination programmes have been successful, and their success has proven vaccines' ability to protect us from different illnesses. Since vaccines were rolled out, cases of smallpox, polio, and tetanus have become a rarity. Earlier, these same diseases used to claim thousands of lives.

Today, health experts recommend vaccinations at different stages of life to prevent infections. By skipping vaccination, you put your life and the lives of those around you at risk. Believing that your young age and robust health will easily defeat a virulent virus is a myth as the ongoing pandemic has demonstrated. Treatment at a private hospital can cost you a huge sum of money too. And even if your medical insurance bears the hospital bills, hospitalisation can cause mental and emotional trauma.

So, why go through all that when vaccines can significantly reduce your chances of getting ill?

How vaccines work

Vaccines train your immune system to create antibodies that can fight against the bacteria or virus causing the disease. The immune system also learns to fight the disease when we get infectedbut learning it through vaccination is much safer. Once the antigens are created, our body stays prepared to fight those diseases for several years. Taking vaccines leads to herd immunity i.e. the spread of the diseases comes to a halt, making it possible for people who can’t take vaccines due to a weakened immune system to stay safe.

Why vaccines are safe

An approved vaccine needs to clear several rounds of testing and trials. Once released to the public, it is monitored for any side effects. So, we can say that vaccines are safe and definitely safer than the idea of staying unvaccinated because of myths or fear.

Who cannot take vaccines?

Vaccination doesn’t suit those who got an allergic reaction to a previous dose or similar vaccines. People who are allergic to ingredients in the vaccine cannot take it either. Lastly, those with fragile immune systems like cancer patients may not be able to get vaccinated. In case of any uncertainty, it’s advisable to consult with a doctor.

Side effects of vaccination

To reiterate, the side effects are mild and stay only for a day or two.The most common side effects are:

• Swelling in the area where the needle of the injection goes in

• Fever, body ache, and headache

In case of any serious allergic reaction, medical professionals know what to do. It’s better to wait at the medical centre for a while after getting vaccinated. However, such cases are extremely rare.

What's in a vaccine?

Would you be surprised if we tell you that the main ingredient of any vaccine is a bacteria, virus, or toxin? But the catch is that they have been weakened or killed in a laboratory first, and thus, any risk of illness from a vaccine is nullified.

Conclusion

We believe and trust the advancements that medical science has made when it comes to surgical procedures and apparatus, and yet when it comes to vaccinations, many doubt their effectiveness. Which is why, it’s best to believe medical experts and not just anyone. Vaccines have proved their merit time and again by saving lives. So, get the jab as soon as possible and don’t forget to buy medical insurance.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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