IMMUNIZATIONS: BANE OR BOON?

his primer aims to give you both: the truth and the fallacy about immunization.

By Christiene [website] from Raleigh, NC on January 31, 2006
Category: Immunizations

IMMUNIZATIONS: BANE OR BOON?

Many diseases which have gone dormant for years are now making a comeback, in fact, in some parts of Asia, malaria struck again!

Tuberculosis which was long thought of as medically-controlled, is once more claiming lives. Regardless of advances in science, the world is still plagued with recurring diseases which lead many to question the vigilance that medical experts have placed on research. Are they still doing their job?

Immunization became a paradox of our time. Convincingly, it dramatically restored our faith in medical science when by its discovery, millions of lives were saved. Many children’s diseases were averted even before inception. The world became a safer, better place.

However, when reports of deaths occurred even to people who received complete immunization from the very disease that killed them, serious questions were asked. Why is it happening again? What went wrong? Does immunization protect us at all? Has it only become a fad, not a solution?

Yet, it still remains a fact that most of the diseases that afflicted us in the past are rarely visible today. If death occurs, despite of immunizations against the disease which caused it, can be singular.

All this brings up the inevitable question: do we still need it?

For the past year, excessive measures were undertaken to discover vaccines for HIV and the recent influenza strains which claimed lives in some Asian countries. Our hope for an AIDS and SARS (Serious Acute Respiratory Syndrome) – free world is still cast inside the tiny vial. Most countries even require mandatory testing for HIV while others demand immunization before the release of work permits or travel documents. Must we or must not we adhere to immunization as a necessary, even crucial, option for protection? Is refusal even a choice?

Separating Fact from Myth -- plus, Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions

This primer aims to give you both: the truth and the fallacy about immunization. It hopes to answer most of your questions, if not all.

How does immunization work?

FACT: Immunization against a particular illness works by strengthening your immune system against that disease. How? Vaccines injected to your body carry parts of the actual germ (that is extinct) which is the source of the disease. Your body identifies the germ and produces antibodies that do the same. When the actual disease hits you, your antibodies are already ready to fight it. Hence, you no longer become ill.

MYTH: Will my exposure to the germ, even just parts of it, make me sick?

FACT: The possibility is very remote. However when it happens, the disease will not be as severe. Generally, it is very unlikely to acquire the disease from a killed virus.

MYTH: Will my immune system become weaker and create dependency on vaccine?

FACT: No. The body produces antibodies when it comes in contact with a germ or virus through whatever means.

How long does immunity last?

FACT: It depends. Some vaccines may give you life-long immunity, others for a short period of time only, like the flu vaccine. The virus keeps on changing that’s why you need to get “booster” shots periodically.

What is our assurance that vaccines are safe?

The Food and Drug Administration Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research of the United States ensures that before a vaccine is licensed and introduced to the market, it has passed the most strident of clinical standards. Close monitoring continues even after licensing and approval. Improvements are introduced when necessary.

Why do I need to be immunized even though the disease has been contained and eradicated?

Diseases that have been eradicated in some parts of the world continue to plague other nations. International travels make it easy for people to access other countries which may still have the disease.

In 1994, polio recurred in the United States from India but due to high immunization rate among the people, the spread of the disease was easily contained.

Perhaps, when eradication of the disease becomes global, only then we can stop immunization on that particular disease.

IN SUMMARY

Immunization remains to be our best option against diseases that continue to plague the world. We should therefore be vigilant in knowing what vaccines are available for specific ailments, including scientific studies and clinical testing being done on them.

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