what are vaccines and how do they work

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WHAT ARE VACCINES AND HOW DO THEY WORK

Vaccines have become an essential component in childcare. Many parents fully understand the need

for vaccination of their children, but remain confused about what vaccines actually do. Sadly, some

negative media propaganda carried out by unaware persons has created doubts about the very need

of vaccines. This article will try to dispel some of the myths by discussing what vaccines are.

The word vaccine is derived from the first vaccine ever developed by its founder Edward Jenner in

1796. This first vaccine was the cow pox vaccine used to prevent small pox infections.

In simplest terms, the vaccines are an introduction of a very mild form of infection similar to the

major infection in such small doses that the body is able to defend itself successfully from it. This

initial training is like training the army for an attack. The army is ready so that when the actual

invasion attempt takes place, the army is fully prepared to tackle it.

Vaccines help prepare the bodys armyor the white blood cells. These white blood cells have special

proteins which act as memory codes. These memory codes remember the encounter, so that when

the actual attack takes place, the WBCs are easily able to resist and defeat the infection.

During the 19th

and 20th

century, many illnesses were major killers of children. These included

diphtheria, whooping cough or pertussis, measles, mumps, yellow fever, small pox and German

measles or rubella respectively.

Currently there are two major classes of vaccines. One class is preventive in nature, which include

many of the childrens vaccines. Others are targeted towards certain illnesses such as cancer. In any

case, the vaccine attempts to create a stronger defence system of the body.

Before a vaccine is approved for general medical practice, it undergoes a stringent process of safety

testing. However, doctors do inform patients about the possible side effects which resolve within a

few days. The vaccination schedule is also a very tried and tested method based on the time frames

when children are most likely to get a particular infection, which can lead to death. These time

frames must be followed judiciously, as a delay in one vaccine causes further delays in others,

leading to a higher risk of exposure to different life threatening illnesses.

Parents are advised to keep in close touch with the paediatrician about vaccine doses and the

diseases for which they are intended. Most paediatricians for record keeping keep vaccination cards.

It is advisable to bring that vaccination card on every visit. Keeping copies of the vaccination card canalso help in maintaining record even if the original is lost. Finally, taking the vaccination card during

travelling is another essential requirement, both for the health safety of the child and certain

international requirements related to travelling with small children.

REFERENCES

What are Vaccines? NewsMedical. Site last accessed on February 2nd

, 2013 fromhttp://www.news-

medical.net/health/What-are-Vaccines.aspx

What are Vaccines and How Do They Work? B2 Revision. Site last accessed on February 2nd

, 2013

from

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http://www.kscience.co.uk/revision/B2_revision_exe/what_are_vaccines_and_how_do_they_work.

html

What is a Vaccination and How Does It Work? Public Health Agency of Canada. Site last accessed on

February 2nd

, 2013 fromhttp://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/vs-sv/vs-faq01-eng.php