Vaccines Beyond Childhood: Why Adults Shouldn’t Skip Immunization – News18
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Many adults tend to doubt immunisations due to either misinformation or perhaps a misconception that vaccines were primarily needed for protecting children from potential infections
Immunisation not only protects one’s health but also prevents the spread of infectious diseases in communities
Vaccination has become an integral part of childhood medical care and continues to be of utmost importance even after childhood. Immunisation, apart from often blocking the transmission of contagious diseases, is also an enhancer of immunity. Many adults tend to doubt immunisations due to either misinformation or perhaps a misconception that vaccines were primarily needed for protecting children from potential infections. Dr. Haripriya Jagadish, MBBS, Dip. American Board of Family Medicine, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chennai shares all you need to know
Childhood vaccines lose effectiveness over time; it draws the importance for adults to stay immunised to protect not only themselves but also those around them. Although vaccines for children offer early protection, this does not mean that they are lifelong. This holds the need for vaccines with a booster dose. Adults often face unique health challenges for which specific vaccines need to be administered.
An influenza vaccine, for instance, is very much required, as the disease poses a threat to the elderly. Influenza vaccines are conventionally expected to be given at the start of each flu season to protect against the increasingly mutative viruses. Likewise, a shingles vaccine is usually prescribed for those over the age of 50 to prevent complications that come with reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. In patients with illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, or compromised immune systems, vaccines prevent it from becoming an infection that can worsen the condition.
Vaccines have sufficient studies behind them that assure the common people that vaccines are safe to give and effective to take in. While some mild side effects, such as some discomfort or weakness for a little time, could be present in the background, the possible severity of diseases that could have been prevented would be many times greater. Talking to a healthcare provider can alleviate fears and explain the importance of ongoing vaccinations.
Adults who stay updated and are on par with vaccination timetables will not only protect themselves against severe disease but also invest in public health. Immunisation not only protects one’s health but also prevents the spread of infectious diseases in communities. An investment in adult vaccination is thus an investment towards long-term safety and health.
