Vaccines save lives—4 to 5 million a year, to be exact, according to the World Health Organization’s most recent estimate. Today we recognize this incredible stat with the start of World Immunization Week. This week we will discuss the importance of keeping up to date with vaccines.
Vaccines are crucial for disease prevention. No matter if you are young, old, or somewhere in between, vaccines should be a part of your health care planning along with regular visits.
How Does Vaccination Work?
You may be curious to know how vaccines work. To understand how vaccines work, let’s first go over how immune systems work. Your immune system attempts to protect you by keeping “invaders” out of your body. But first, it needs to know that it’s supposed to defend you against a bad pathogen. A vaccine essentially teaches the immune cells to recognize and build resistance against this new pathogen. This primes your body to create antibodies against antigens of pathogens.
Are Vaccines Safe?
Yes. While there may be side effects, they are typically mild and considerably less risky than the actual illness itself. Please make your medical provider aware if you have any allergies to common vaccine components. Some people with weak immune systems may not be able to get certain vaccines, so consult with your physician first if you have an immune condition.
Vaccine Effectiveness
Vaccines are considered highly effective. Vaccine effectiveness varies depending on the specific vaccine. It is recommended to follow a vaccine schedule to ensure full immunity. If you are an expectant parent or have young children, this is especially important because their immune systems are still developing.
Get Up-to-Date with Your Vaccinations at Our Family Direct Primary Care
Schedule an appointment today to get your vaccine shots. Do you have any questions about safety or when to schedule your vaccinations? Contact us today!