World Immunization Day: Important Facts About Immunization

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10 November is observed as World Immunisation Day is celebrated every year. This day is observed to make people aware of the importance of getting timely vaccinations against vaccine-preventable diseases.

According to reports, India has one of the largest Universal Immunisation Programs (UIP) in the world in terms of the quantities of vaccines used, number of beneficiaries covered, geographical spread and human resources involved.

Vaccination is one of the most effective and important methods to prevent diseases and death occurring from infectious pathogens that could cause bronchitis, pneumonia, invasive pneumococcal disease, bacteremic pneumonia and meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumonia [1].

Have a look at some of the important facts about immunization, as stated by the World Health Organisation.

• Currently, immunization prevents between 2-3 million deaths every year. It prevents vaccine-preventable diseases, including diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, pertussis (whooping cough), pneumonia, polio, rotavirus diarrhoea, cervical cancer, rubella and tetanus.

• In 2016, an estimated 116.5 million, about 86 per cent children worldwide under the age of one year received three doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) vaccine. They are protected against infectious diseases that can cause serious illness or disability [2].

• All vaccines are carefully tested before they are approved for use, as well as regularly reassessed and constantly monitored for side effects.

• A new vaccine against dengue has been licensed in several countries. This year, the first vaccine to protect children against malaria will be piloted in three African countries.

• Vaccines provide better immunity, although the immune response to a vaccine is similar to the one produced by a natural infection. Vaccines are less risky, as they do not put individuals at risk of the disease's potential complications.

• Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus, which results in high fever and rash, and can lead to blindness, encephalitis or death. Globally, measles death has decreased by 84 per cent from an estimated 5,50,000 deaths in 2000 to 89,780 in 2016 [3].

• Global vaccination coverage has stalled at 86 per cent, with no significant changes during the past year. An estimated 19.5 million infants worldwide are still missing the basic diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) vaccine.

• Due to vaccination, polio cases have decreased by over 99 per cent since 1988, and meningitis A has been nearly eliminated in 26 African countries.

• In the year 2016, the WHO region in the US became the first in the world to have eliminated measles. This involves mass vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella throughout America.

• In the year 2016, very few children were paralysed by polio than in any other year, with the virus restricted to a few areas in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.

• India and the entire WHO South-East Asia region have been declared polio-free [4].

• Vaccines can help limit the spread of antibiotic resistance. The global increase in disease caused by drug-resistant bacteria, due to misuse and overuse of antibiotics is a major public health concern, according to WHO. Vaccinating is a very effective way to stop people from getting infected and thereby in preventing the need for antibiotics.

Given below are some of the myths and facts about vaccines.

1. Myth: Too Many Shots Weaken The Immune System

Fact: Each dose of vaccine allows the body to mount an immune response and make antibodies so that the body can fight off a real infection. Children are provided multiple vaccinations to give them as much as protection as early as possible [5].

2. Myth: Vaccines Are For Kids Only

Fact: There are numerous vaccines that can aid in keeping adolescents and adults healthy too. The most common vaccination is the flu shot, which is given annually. Adolescents should receive a meningitis vaccine and elderly adults can benefit from pneumonia vaccines. Adults also require boosters for tetanus and pertussis [6].

3. Myth: Natural Immunity Is Better

Fact: Natural immunity can increase the risk of complications. Chickenpox can lead to encephalitis and pneumonia. A polio infection can cause permanent paralysis, mumps, deafness, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and brain damage. That's why vaccines are very much necessary, as they will trigger lifelong immunity.

4. Myth: Vaccines Aren't Necessary Because The Disease Has Been Eradicated

Fact: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the only infectious disease that has been eradicated worldwide is smallpox. Today, worldwide there are outbreaks of diseases like measles, mumps and pertussis. Vaccines can protect you when you are around people who are vaccinated.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.