To date, the World Health Organization has documented the following:

  • 762,791,152 confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide
  • 6,897,025 fatalities due to COVID-19
  • Over 13 billion people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 globally

There are still COVID-19 cases being recorded daily. However, these are no longer as alarming as they were two to three years ago.

Covid-19 Vaccine

  1. Studies conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) show that vaccinated individuals still have a slight probability of getting sick or infected. However, their symptoms are less life-threatening compared to those without a vaccine.
  2. Vaccines also take time to build immunity, so you should not wait until you get sick before getting vaccinated.

Immunization

Immunization is a medical breakthrough that has greatly impacted the world. The World Health Organization describes it as a “key [important] component of primary healthcare.” It is an effective tool for preventing and regulating infectious diseases.

According to John Hopkins Medicine, the immune system has 2 main parts:

Innate part of the immune system

  • Rapid response system
  • Composed of the internal and external parts of our body
  • When these barriers are activated, they mobilize cells to kill the pathogen

Adaptive or acquired part of the immune system

  • Functions with the help of the innate part
  • Together, they make antibodies composed of B lymphocyte cells. These cells help our bodies fight diseases

Our immune system works by ensuring that our body responds properly to our environment

  1. It gives different signals throughout the body
  2. It is composed of cells, tissues, and organs functioning as one
  3. The lymphatic system is a network of lymph nodes and vessels that can be found throughout the body. These lymph nodes, which contain white blood cells, are small and shaped like a bean. White blood cells trap germs and viruses to prevent them from invading the body.

6 Signs of a Weak Immune System

According to Dr. Hassan of Penn Medicine, there are 6 warning signs that your immune system is weakened

  1. Your stress levels are high

This indicates a decrease in lymphocytes—the white blood cells that fight against infections.

  1. You always have a cold

Normally, adults with an attuned immune system catch a cold only two to three times a year. Therefore, if you tend to catch a cold more frequently, it’s a clear sign that your immune system is struggling. 

  1. You always have a gastric problem

70% of our immune system is located in our digestive tract. The helpful bacteria and other microorganisms in our gut support our immune response. The lower our level of good bacteria, the more susceptible we are to sickness and chronic illnesses. 

  1. Your wounds are slower to heal

The immune system is responsible for healing cuts, burns, and wounds. It uses healthy immune cells to respond to its healing. The weaker the immune system, the slower the regeneration or healing process.

  1. You have frequent infections

These are immunity red flags. Recurring infections are signs of an underlying health concern that needs to be addressed.

  1. You feel tired all the time

If you are getting enough sleep yet still feel constantly tired, your body may be trying to conserve energy to fuel your immune system so it can fight off germs.

When our immune system is attuned, we usually feel strong and capable. However, when our immune system is compromised, we experience unusual symptoms.

Tips to Enhance Your Immune System

  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Exercise daily
  • Get enough sleep
  • Quit smoking
  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption

What is immunization, and why is it important?

immunization is a process used to protect someone from a disease through inoculating vaccines. Vaccines are used to stimulate immune response, and are typically injected into the body using medical-grade needles.

United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Different Ways to Administer Vaccines

  1. Oral Route (PO) 
  • The vaccine is administered orally through drops.
  • Example: The rotavirus vaccine is strictly given orally
  1. Intramuscular Route (IM) 
  • The vaccine is administered into the muscle, passing through the subcutaneous tissue. 
  • The recommended site and needle gauge per person are determined by their age, weight, and gender.
  1. Subcutaneous Route (Subcut)
  • This type of vaccine is administered by injecting it underneath the skin or into the fatty tissue found below the dermis and above muscle tissue. Before injecting at the site, the medical practitioner must first check if the area is free from:
  1. Lumps
  2. Swelling
  3. Redness
  4. Warmth
  5. Bruising
  6. Wounds

Vaccines protect us from the following viruses and diseases:

  • Cholera
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Influenza
  • Japanese encephalitis
  • Measles
  • Meningitis
  • Mumps
  • Malaria
  • Pertussis
  • Polio
  • Rotavirus
  • Rabies
  • Diphtheria
  • Pneumonia
  • Tetanus
  • Typhoid
  • Varicella
  • Yellow Fever
  • COVID-19
  • HPV

How does our immune system respond to vaccines?

Our immune system is our defense mechanism. It uses white blood cells to ward off infections. White blood cells contain:

  • Macrophages 
  • They detect and destroy harmful organisms.
  • B-lymphocytes 
  • They produce antibodies that fight infections.
  • T-lymphocytes 
  • They recognize familiar germs and command B-lymphocytes to produce more antibodies.

Vaccines, on the other hand, teach the body to recognize foreign organisms so that it knows how to defend itself the next time it encounters one. 

Some vaccines require more than one dose within a certain timeline, like the COVID-19 vaccine. Not all vaccines can be administered to everyone, especially to people with certain health conditions.

Types of Vaccines and When are They Used

  1. Inactivated Vaccines
  • Does not replicate cells and often requires repeated doses to achieve immunity
  • Uses the dead or inactive version of the pathogen that causes the disease to encourage the body to produce T cells, strengthening one’s immune response
  • Inactivated vaccines are used to protect against:
    • Hepatitis A
    • Flu 
    • Polio 
    • Rabies

2. Live-Attenuated Vaccines 

  • Contains live pathogens
  • Medically modified in such a way that instead of harming the body, they boost the immune system instead
  • Reverse genetic tools are used to create this type of vaccine
  • The most common live-attenuated vaccines include:
    • Live-attenuated influenza (flu) vaccines (LAIV)
    • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
    • Polio —nearing global eradication due to mass vaccination
    • Smallpox —officially eradicated due to mass vaccination
    • Chickenpox
    • Yellow Fever
    • Japanese Encephalitis
    • Shingles
    • Rotavirus

3. Messenger RNA (mRNA) Vaccines

  • mRNA produces viral proteins, and in return, when the body recognizes that they are foreign, it is forced to produce more antibodies, which fight off infection

4.  Subunit, Recombinant, Polysaccharide, and Conjugate Vaccines

  • Subunit vaccines do not contain live pathogens, but they do get a piece of the pathogen—not the whole organism
  • Can be made in two possible ways: using the original pathogen or recombinantly
  • More suitable for people who cannot receive live vaccines, such as infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals

5. Toxoid Vaccines

  • Toxoids are altered forms of toxins that are tolerable and safe for human consumption
  • Toxoid vaccines have high-efficiency ratings and are considered one of the most safe vaccines against common diseases caused by infections
  • These vaccines are used against:
    • Diphtheria
    • Tetanus

6. Viral Vector Vaccines

  • Utilizing a modified version of a distinct virus as an agent to administer protection
  • Numerous viruses, such as Influenza, Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV), Measles Virus, and Adenovirus (which results in the common cold), have been utilized as vectors for this type of vaccine

Vaccine Hesitancy and Conclusions

Opposition against vaccinations is nothing new. In fact, as early as the 1800s, there were already people refusing to get vaccinated. The criticism stems primarily from sanitary, religious, and political concerns. While concerns about vaccines have been raised, it’s important to focus on their remarkable impact on global health. Vaccines have saved millions of lives, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than feeling discouraged, we should embrace the positive advancements they offer, providing protection and hope for a healthier future.

Here are the updated guidelines to follow after  receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. It is still encouraged to:

  • Wear a mask in crowded or high-risk settings, as advised by local health authorities 
  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Use alcohol for sanitation purposes
  • Maintain physical distance in crowded or poorly ventilated areas

Always stay informed about the latest health recommendations from trusted health organizations and local authorities.

Role of Vaccination in Herd Immunity

The Department of Health of the Philippines urges people to follow vaccination schedules based on factors like age, lifestyle, and location, in line with global guidelines from the WHO, CDC, and ACIP. This helps prevent disease outbreaks and supports herd immunity, protecting vulnerable individuals.

If vaccination records are lost, blood tests can check immunity and ensure people get only the vaccines they need for community-wide protection.

Here are some vaccines you should consider as an adult according to Mayo Clinic:

  • COVID-19 Vaccine

The CDC emphasizes the importance of staying up to date with the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, as immunity from vaccination and prior infection diminishes over time. Updated vaccines offer the best protection against the currently circulating COVID-19 strains.

  • Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

The CDC advises yearly flu immunization for everyone 6 months and older to avoid catching the flu. 

  • Hepatitis B Vaccine

The CDC advises that all adults, ages 19 to 59, to get Hepatitis B immunization. Adults 60 and older with Hepatitis B-associated risks should also get the immunization.

  • HPV Vaccine

HPV stands for human papillomavirus. HPV is a prevalent cancer-causing virus. The HPV vaccination is also recommended for children ages 11 to 12. 

  • Pneumococcal Vaccine

Infections caused by pneumococcal disease include pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.

  • Shingles Vaccine

The CDC suggests using Shingrix® vaccines for healthy people older than 50 to prevent shingles. It is administered in two doses.

  • Tdap Vaccine

Tdap stands for Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis. Tdap is usually administered from about the age of 11 to 12. The CDC recommends receiving a Tdap vaccine as early as possible. 

Herd immunity can be achieved if the majority of the population is vaccinated and safety measures post-vaccination are still observed.

Vaccination offers protection and reduces the probability of catching diseases. This can also mean additional protection for the vulnerable sector or those who cannot be given vaccines, such as the immunocompromised.

Herd immunity can be attained if 70% to 90% of the population is immunized, whether by recovering from the infection or getting the vaccine. By then, they can acquire higher protection against debilitating symptoms caused by viruses or bacteria. The herd immunity threshold, however, can go as low as 40%, depending on the severity of the infection. 

HALCYON HEALTHCARE

Halcyon’s vision is to enhance Quality of Life by providing accessible healthcare, including vaccination services. We prioritize patient-centered care and promote a healthy lifestyle through preventive healthcare. Learn how our vaccine services can support your health and well-being!

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