| Immunizations |
In this century, immunization with vaccines has had greater impact on contagious diseases than all other health services available to us. Smallpox, once the most widespread disease in the world, has been virtually eradicated. And, in the United States and other developed countries, diseases such as whooping cough, tetanus, polio and diphtheria - have been brought under control. Yet, as long as even a few cases of diseases occur within a population, people who are not immunized are at risk! And, when immunization coverage decreases, diseases can return with a vengeance.
As children we are (or should be) routinely immunized against contagious diseases, but as adults we become complacent about keeping up with immunizations. For example, even if you had a tetanus shot as a child you need to receive booster shots every ten years to remain fully protected.
Based on a wide number of studies, modern vaccines have been judged to be extremely safe and effective. For most individuals, as well as for the society at large, there is no doubt that the benefits of immunizations far outweigh the risks.
Recommended Adult Vaccinations
TD (Tetanus) - every ten years
Flu Vaccine - every year if high risk. (i.e. college student, health care worker)
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) - if born after 1957 - should have two doses
Hepatitis B - series of three injections - probable lifetime immunity
Principles of Vaccination :
Immunity - Protection from infectious disease
Active Immunity - Protection produced by the person's own immune system
Passive Immunity - Protection transferred from another person as antibodies
Antigens - A live or inactivated substance capable of producing an immune response
Antibody - Produced in the body to help eliminate an antigen
Live Attenuated Vaccine - Produced by modifying a disease. Done in a laboratory. Must be replicated to be effective
Inactivated Vaccine - Can be made up of either whole or partial viruses |
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