Are Your Immunizations Up to Date?
In recent years, there has been discussion within the general public questioning the effectiveness and safety of immunizations. However, it has been widely documented that FDA-approved vaccines significantly protect people and communities from preventable infectious diseases.
How do vaccines work?
The vaccines that are available mimic infections to engage the body’s natural defenses. They help the body learn how to defend itself from the symptoms and dangers of the full-blown infection.
“Infections are unpredictable and can have long-lasting affects,” said Mitch Kovacs, MD, a family medicine physician with Penn Highlands Healthcare. “Even diseases that are often mild can be deadly in certain people.”
Dr. Kovacs cited the human papillomavirus (HPV) as an example. “While HPV does not show any signs or symptoms when first contracted, it can appear years later as an aggressive, life-threatening cancer. By the time a cancer diagnosis is received, it is too late to become vaccinated.”
Can you still suffer from the illness even after receiving the vaccine?
It is possible for some people to become infected even after having a vaccine for that particular disease. After a vaccination, immunity can take weeks to develop. Sometimes, people who have been vaccinated can develop the illness, but their symptoms are usually milder than someone who has not received the vaccine.
Why do some vaccines require multiple doses?
Some vaccines will provide only partial protection with a single dose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some live-attenuated vaccines only require two doses because they contain living bacteria or viruses. These vaccines, such as those for shingles, provide enduring protection. Non-live vaccines typically require more than two doses to provide protection that eventually fades and requires boosters.
“Historically, vaccines are the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from preventable illnesses,” said Dr. Kovacs.
What vaccines do children need?
Every parent should talk to their child’s primary care physician about the proper immunization schedule. Here is a list of the basic vaccinations most children and adolescents need:
- DTaP/Tdap vaccines protect against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)
- Flu shot
- Hib vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type B
- Hepatitis A and B
- HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus, which can cause cancer
- IPV protects against polio
- Meningococcal conjugate and serogroup B meningococcal vaccines protect against meningitis
- MMR protects against measles, mumps and rubella
- PCV13 vaccine protects against pneumococcal pneumonia
- RV protects against rotavirus
- Varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox
What vaccinations do adults need?
In addition to an annual flu shot, adults should talk with their primary care physician about the following vaccinations:
- COVID-19 vaccine/boosters
- Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough)
- Herpes zoster vaccine protects against shingles
- Pneumococcal conjugate and/or pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines
- Hepatitis A and B
- Meningococcal conjugate or serogroup B meningococcal vaccine
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
If you or your children are not up to date on your vaccines, the Family Medicine physicians at Penn Highlands Healthcare can help.
