Vaccines

Introduction

            A vaccine is a form of medication that is introduced to the body to help train the immune system to fight diseases that the body is yet to come into contact with. Vaccines differ from other forms of medicine because they attempt to prevent diseases from occurring rather than treating them once they do. The vaccine is administered in the form of molecules called antigens which are also present in all forms of bacteria and viruses. Once the antigens are introduced in the body, the immune system can identify them as hostile inhabitants of the body and produce antibodies to fight against the symptoms they cause. Once the antigens exist in the body, the immune system can recognize the same antigens in the future even if they are caused by an actual virus or bacteria. Although the antigens in the vaccines have been neutralized to ensure they cannot harm the body, the immune system’s preparation to get rid of the hostile invaders ensures that the body is ready to fight off diseases in case the same antigens enter the body.

           The success of vaccines in preventing diseases has a lot to do with the various changes and developments that have occurred in the process of making them. The history of vaccines can be traced back to the 19th century where Salmon and Smith pioneered the field of vaccines when they injected immunogenic components into an organism (Dunn & McCullers, 2008). Their achievements were incorporated in the technology used by scientists like Louis Pasteur and even modern forms of vaccines used today. In the 1970s researchers discovered that DNA sequencing was possible allowed the expression of proteins which facilitated the development of better vaccines (Dunn & McCullers, 2008). The first recombinant vaccine was developed in 1986 which led to the development of the vaccine for Hepatitis B. the 1980s also saw to the advancement in vaccine development as it paved the way for the adjuvantation where the presentation of antigens in vaccines could be improved to make the immune system more resistant to diseases.

           The major concerns that people have when it comes to vaccinating children mostly have to do with the effect that they will have on the immune systems as well as the side effects. Children today receive more vaccines than they used to in the past and this has raised concern that introducing so many antigens could affect the child’s immunity (McCarthy, 2019). While it is true the vaccines do introduce antigens to the body, they are nothing compared to the antigens that the baby picks up daily. Children tend to touch items as they crawl, play, and get dirty. The experience with the outside world exposes children to antigens that are more dangerous than the ones contained in vaccines.

            Another factor that creates uncertainty when it comes to vaccinating children is a result of the various side effects associated with some vaccines. Although the side effects vary depending on the child and type of vaccine, among other factors, children have been known to display various side effects such as mild pain and swelling on the points of injection (OVG, 2020). Children have also been known to develop mild fevers, seizures, and other forms of discomfort especially on the first days of vaccination.

            Lastly, vaccinating children is challenged by the fear that the vaccines are safer for adults compared to children. This is especially because vaccines are made using antigens from the same or similar diseases they are intended to prevent (McCarthy, 2019). Lack of a basic understanding has created an environment where parents are distrustful with the processes involved in making vaccines and therefore tend to hesitate before subjecting their children to vaccination.

            Despite the various restrictions that parents have concerning vaccinating children, the fears are based on misinformation and lack of understanding. Concerning the effect that vaccines are likely to have on the child’s immune system, the vaccines do more to boost the immune system than cause harm. Although the vaccines contain antigens from the disease they try to prevent, the process of making vaccines is done in such a way that all the harmful elements of a virus or bacteria are removed (WHO, 2020). The antigen injected is safe and cannot harm the child. Instead, the antigens train the body to fight such diseases thus making the child more immune to diseases.

            Although there is a likelihood that the children will develop side effects, the symptoms are often mild and go away over time. The side effects are however a small price compared to the harm that the child could face if exposed to the diseases that vaccines try to prevent. Similar to how there exists medicine for adults and children, a lot of research is conducted to ensure that the vaccine administered is safe for children (WHO, 2020). A lot of procedures are followed before allowing a vaccine to be administered and this ensures that the ones in use are safe for children.

            Despite the various benefits that vaccines hold in promoting quality health, their use, especially on children is yet to get the acceptance it deserves. This is mainly because people lack adequate information regarding vaccines and how they work. Medical professionals should liaison with influential people in society and policymakers to share information on vaccines as a way to assist people to make better decisions concerning health.  

            Most of the information regarding research suggest that vaccines do more harm than good. It is therefore my recommendation that you take the child for vaccination so as to protect him from diseases in future. Instead of avoiding medical treatments based on personal opinions and fears, I would also suggest consultations with medical professionals. They have access to all forms of information and can greatly help you understand more about vaccines and even advice on how to deal with side effects in case they occur.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

McCarthy, C. (2019). “Why do parents worry about vaccines?” Harvard Health Publishing,         retrieved from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-do-parents-worry-about-   vaccines-2019080217406

McCullers, J. A., & Dunn, J. D. (2008). Advances in vaccine technology and their impact on        managed care. P & T: A peer-reviewed journal for formulary management, 33(1), 35–          41.

Oxford Vaccine Group. (2020). “What is a vaccine and how does it work?” University of Oxford, Retrieved from: https://vk.ovg.ox.ac.uk/vk/how-do-vaccines-work

World Health Organization. (2020). “Six common misconceptions about immunization”    Retrieved from:             https://www.who.int/vaccine_safety/initiative/detection/immunization_misconception            s/en/index2.html