Vaccines don't stop after childhood. Immunisation and vaccinations help us fight infections. The immune system of persons with chronic conditions and the elderly are compromised and hence it is recommended for them to vaccinate themselves. Some vaccines like HPV vaccine also prevent cancers. Read all about immunisations and talk to your physician about these.
How your body fights infections-role of antibodies
The immune system protects you from illness and infection. When bacteria or viruses invade the body, they multiply and damage cells, causing sickness. To fight infection, the immune system makes antibodies that target and eliminate the germs, helping you recover. Antibodies also provide future protection. If exposed again, the immune system rapidly produces antibodies, preventing reinfection. This immunity can last lifelong, as with measles. For some diseases, booster vaccines maintain immunity.
Vaccines- how do they help?
Vaccines work by imitating an infection and stimulating antibody production without actual infection. The active ingredient in all vaccines is an antigen which is just any substance evokes the immune system to produce antibodies. The vitality of the vaccine's antigen determines the number of doses necessary to establish immunity. Because they contain living bacteria or viruses, live-attenuated vaccines can provide enduring protection with only two doses. On the other hand, non-live vaccines typically need at least three doses to provide protection that diminishes over time and requires booster doses to be replenished.
There are two immunity types: Active immunity from past infection or vaccines, providing long-term antibodies. Passive immunity from donor antibodies, giving short-term protection after exposure.
ANNUALLY:
Flu Vaccine (Influenza Inactivated (Iiv4) Or Influenza Recombinant (Riv4):
Type used in India: Southern Hemisphere’s annual WHO recommended quadrivalent influenza vaccine.
Why should you take the vaccine?
Influenza viruses, which infect the respiratory tract, cause seasonal influenza, commonly called “the flu”. Compared to many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza can lead to severe illness and potentially life-threatening complications like bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes in a significant number of individuals.
Contraindications:
It should be avoided for individuals who have had documented anaphylaxis (allergic reaction) to any ingredient in the vaccine or to a previous dose of inactivated influenza vaccine.
To read more about the flu: https://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/how-avoid-swine-flu-or-h1n1
ONCE IN THEIR LIFETIME:
Hepatitis A Vaccine:
Why should you take the vaccine?
Hepatitis A may cause a liver disease that may sometimes require hospitalization. The hepatitis A virus is present in the stool of the infected person and is transmitted through close personal contact with an infected person, contaminated water and contaminated food such as raw shellfish, fruits, vegetables, or other uncooked foods.
Any adult who is not fully vaccinated and requests vaccination can receive a hepatitis A vaccination. Since it is endemic in India its usually recommended.
Contraindications:
Anyone with a history of anaphylactic reaction to any other component of the vaccine.
Anyone with any moderate or severe illness should wait till recovery.
Pregnant women
Side effects:
- Inflammation and pain or rash at the injection site
- Fever
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
To know about food safety tips to prevent Hepatitis A see here:
https://www.patientsengage.com/healthy-living/making-your-kitchen-bug-p…
EVERY 10 YEARS, AFTER THE AGE OF 10
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap Or Td) Vaccine:
Why should you take the vaccine?
Clostridium tetani, a type of bacteria that may cause a serious disease called tetanus, is commonly known as “lockjaw”. Clostridium tetani are bacteria that live in soil and manure and infections commonly happen when the bacteria enter your body through a wound. When you receive the tetanus vaccines as advised, your body produces antibodies. These specialized proteins aid your immune system in combating the toxin generated by the bacteria.
Contraindications:
It should be used with caution for individuals who have had documented anaphylaxis (allergic reaction) to any ingredient in the vaccine.
Side effects:
- Inflammation and pain at the injection site
- Fever
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
- Bodyache
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
To read some more about tetanus: https://www.patientsengage.com/discussions/treating-wounds
VACCINES RECOMMENDED FOR AGE 11-45
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (Hpv or Cervical Cancer Vaccine):
Why should you take the vaccine?
The vaccine will help diseases caused by 9 types of HPV: cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in females, anal cancer, certain head and neck cancers, such as throat and back of mouth cancers and genital warts in both males and females.
HPV types 16 and 18 cause nearly 90 percent of anal cancers and substantial proportion of oropharyngeal and penile cancers. (For males).
The commonly used vaccine is Gardasil 9, which protects against 9 serotype of HPV that cause most of HPV-related cancers. The approved vaccine is available for use in both males and females aged 9 to 45 years.
Contraindications:
Anyone with a history of anaphylactic reaction to any other component of the vaccine.
Pregnant women
Side effects:
- Pain, swelling, redness, itching, bruising, bleeding, and a lump where you got the shot
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Dizziness and Fainting
To know more about HPV: https://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/guard-yourself-hpv-related-wa…
VACCINES RECOMMENDED FOR AGE 19-64
Hepatitis B Vaccine:
Why should you take the vaccine?
Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by Hepatitis B virus that may be acute or chronic. If the acute hepatitis B infection does not go away after 6 months, it’s considered a chronic hepatitis B infection, which is a lifelong illness and may lead to liver cirrhosis, cancer or vaccine or liver failure.
Hepatitis B spreads through body fluids like blood, semen, etc. It may also be passed on from a mother to child during birth or with sexual contact, sharing a needle, razor or toothbrush with a person infected with hepatitis B. It may also be transmitted by touching the blood or open sores of a person who has hepatitis B.
Contraindications:
Anyone with a history of anaphylactic reaction to gelatin, neomycin, or any other component of the vaccine.
Anyone with any moderate or severe illness should wait till recovery.
Side effects:
- Inflammation and pain or rash at the injection site
- Fever
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
- Bodyache
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting
To know more about chronic Hepatitis B read here:
https://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/chronic-hepatitis/management
VACCINES RECOMMENDED FOR AGE 50+
Herpes Zoster/Shingles Vaccine:
Why should you take the vaccine?
Shingles is a viral disease caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, also known as the Herpes Zoster virus. The virus remains dormant in the nerve tissue of the spinal cord and brain after one has had chickenpox in childhood. The immune cells of the body keep it in check for decades until it may become reactivated, usually in later adulthood. Vaccination can reduce risk of Shingles significantly.
Contraindications:
Severe immunocompromising conditions like HIV, leukemias and people on medications that lower immunity like long term steroids, cancer therapy etc.
Anyone with history of anaphylactic reaction to gelatin, neomycin, or any other component of the vaccine.
Side effects:
- Inflammation and pain or rash at the injection site
- Fever
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
- Serious side effects like pneumonia, meningitis is rare
VACCINES RECOMMENDED FOR AGE 60+
Respiratory Sycytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine:
Why should you take the vaccine?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been identified as a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in the elderly. RSV infection may cause symptoms that range from mild upper-respiratory-tract illnesses or middle ear infections to severe lung infections. This may lead to hospitalization and added secondary infections in the elderly.
Contraindications:
It should be avoided for individuals who have had documented anaphylaxis (allergic reaction) to any ingredient in the vaccine.
Side effects:
- Inflammation and pain at the injection site
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
VACCINES RECOMMENDED FOR AGE 65+
Pneumococcal Vaccine:
Type used in India:
PCV13: A pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria.
PPSV23: A pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine that protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria.
Why should you take the vaccine?
The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against infections caused by 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria that can cause serious illnesses like meningitis (an infection in the brain and spinal cord) sepsis (a life-threatening reaction to an infection) pneumonia (an infection in the lungs).
Contraindications:
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of PCV7, PCV13, PCV15, or PCV20, or to any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid.
Severe allergy to any component of these vaccines.
References:
- “Serum Institute of India.” Www.seruminstitute.com, ww.seruminstitute.com/health_faq_influenza.php. Accessed 13 Mar. 2024.
- Nationalacademies.org, 2023, www.nationalacademies.org/based-on-science/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-tet….
- Kalarikkal, Saieda M, and Gayatri B Jaishankar. “Influenza Vaccine.” Nih.gov, StatPearls Publishing, 8 Oct. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537197/.
- “UpToDate.” Www.uptodate.com, www.uptodate.com/contents/society-guideline-links-immunizations-in-adul…. Accessed 13 Mar. 2024.
- “Hepatitis B Foundation: Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedules.” Www.hepb.org, www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/vaccination/guidelines-2/.
- Stuart, Annie. “Adult Hepatitis a Vaccine: Side Effects, Guidelines, and More.” WebMD, www.webmd.com/hepatitis/hepatitis-a-vaccine-for-adults.
- “Guidelines for Vaccination in Normal Adults in India.” Indian Journal of Nephrology, vol. 26, no. Suppl 1, 2016, pp. S7–S14, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4928530/.
- “What to Know about Getting the MMR Vaccine as an Adult.” Verywell Health, www.verywellhealth.com/mmr-vaccine-adults-5225717.
- “Vaccine India-Welcome to India’s First Website with Complete Information on Infectious Deseases, Vaccines, Immunisation and Immunoglobulins. + + + Become a Registered Member of the Site and Recieve Latest Balanced Information from the World of Vaccines,Coronavirus Disease,Coronavirus - World Health Organization,Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019,Coronavirus (COVID-19) - NHS, the Symptoms of COVID-19 Are: A Cough; a High Temperature (at Least 38°C); Shortness of Breath., COVID-19 Information & Resources - Google,COVID-19 Vaccine, Coronavirus Treatments,Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Indian Council of Medical Research,Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | ADULT VACCINATION.” Vaccineindia.org, vaccineindia.org/article/adult-vaccination.
- CDC. “Adult Immunization Schedule by Vaccine and Age Group.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024, www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html.
- Midlandhealthcare.org, 2024, www.midlandhealthcare.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Immunization-sched…. Accessed 13 Mar. 2024.
