The word “vaccination” was first used by Edward Jenner in 1796. Louis Pasteur furthered the concept through his ground-breaking work in microbiology. In common speech, ‘vaccination’ and ‘immunisation’  have the same meaning.

Historically, infectious diseases have been a major cause of illness, and in many cases leading to disability or death. To this effect, immunisation programs are one of the great public health successes of the 20th century. It has prevented disease, disability and death from infants to senior citizens. Vaccination protects us against diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, polio, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough).

How does it work?
Your immune system helps your body fight germs by producing antibodies to combat them. Once the antibodies are formed, the immune system “remembers” the germ and can fight it again. Vaccines contain germs that have been killed or weakened and when given to a healthy person, the vaccine triggers the immune system to respond and thus build immunity.

Immunisation is of the most successful and cost-effective methods of preventing infectious diseases.  Through immunisation, smallpox and polio have been almost eradicated from the western hemisphere, and cases of measles have been reduced by over 95%.

Immunisation prevents between 2 and 3 million deaths per year but ironically the fact that immunisation has made many infectious diseases rare can lead to the opinion among parents and health professionals that immunisation is no longer necessary. Due to gaps in vaccination coverage, diseases like diphtheria, measles and polio are making a comeback. Remember disease outbreaks affect everyone.

Vaccines are available at local state clinics and hospitals.

For more information please contact your family practitioner.

DON’T WAIT. VACCINATE

This article was supplied by Dr.  A.M. Bux  (General Practitioner)

The post VACCINATION CAN PREVENT ILLNESS AND EVEN DEATH first appeared on Hibiscus Hospital.

Flu Vaccine for prevention of illness
Port Shepstone Medical Practitioner Dr Ayoob Moosa Bux, who is also a non-executive director on the board at Hibiscus Private Hospital, says that an increase in respiratory infections can be expected and that flu vaccination is a preventative step. “In addition to children and the elderly, those who will benefit from flu vaccine are persons who are at high risk for influenza and its complications because of underlying medical conditions as well as medical and nursing staff who are responsible for the care of high-risk cases.”

Vaccine has proved effective
Any individual who wants to be protected from the risk of contracting influenza can be vaccinated, and employers who are concerned about loss due to large-scale absenteeism can encourage employees to consider this step.  Dr Bux says flu vaccine in healthy adults enjoys an efficacy of between 70 – 90%.  In the elderly, non institutionalized hospitalization is reduced between 25 and 39% and overall mortality is significantly reduced by 39 – 75%.

School children are the major disseminators of influenza and it’s interesting to note that the United States has incorporated into its guidelines the routine immunization of all young children at a specific age whereas in South Africa the guidelines advise the immunization of children at risk.

Flu vaccine and HIV
Immunization of the immuno-compromised patient is considered to be essential. Influenza vaccination of HIV infected individuals is recommended for those whose CD4 counts are between 200-500/ul.  However, those with a CD4 count of less than 200/ul will not have an adequate response.  In these individuals, while immunization is not contra-indicated, it is not actively recommended.

Contraindications are few
Patients with a febrile illness and true egg allergy should not receive the vaccine. Pregnancy is not a contra-indication but vaccination is avoided in the first trimester. Women who will be in their second or third trimester during the influenza season should receive the vaccine, however, as complications from influenza are increased in these women.

Vaccination is only part of the prevention process and cough and sneeze hygiene is particularly important.  This article is not intended as a complete guideline for every individual. If you are concerned about the advisability of being vaccinated discuss it with your own medical practitioner.

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