Pulse polio drops being administered to a child at the Vijayawada Railway Station. File photograph
| Photo Credit: RAO GN
Over the past five decades, vaccinations have prevented more than 150 million deaths among humans from deadly infectious diseases. The once-dreaded infection small pox for instance, had been eradicated; other serious infectious diseases like polio and measles are now on the verge of elimination. Every minute, six people are being saved by immunisations, demonstrating that, vaccines are one of the best modern medical inventions, vastly benefitting humankind.
Understanding vaccines
Vaccines are usually given as injectables during childhood. Vaccines prepare our body to fight against infectious diseases. They stimulate the immune system of the person to produce antibodies. This immune response protects the person from that particular infection, if he or she is exposed to the infection in the future. Apart from routine childhood immunisations, pregnant women and elderly people also require certain immunisations to boost their immunity.
If a high percentage (>95%) of a community is vaccinated, those who cannot be vaccinated in the community: newborn babies or immunocompromised persons, can also be protected against a particular disease. This concept of herd immunity — where a high percentage of vaccination prevents the spread of an infectious disease in a community — is very important. So apart from individual protection, vaccination also helps protect others by stopping the spread of diseases.
If a significant proportion of the community is not vaccinated however, the infectious agent continues to spread among the people and causes suffering. Hence, to develop herd immunity it is essential to vaccinate everyone possible.
Despite the potential benefits for the individual and the community, many people are not vaccinated. It is estimated that globally, about 22 million children missed their first dose of the measles vaccine in 2023. We can save millions of more human lives by simply vaccinating everyone without leaving anyone behind.
Common myths and misconceptions
Vaccines are rigorously tested for their safety and efficacy before approval. Vaccines continue to be monitored even after their introduction to the general population. Soreness at the vaccine site, and fever are common side effects. Serious adverse reactions to vaccines are very rare.
Many people think vaccines cause chronic health problems — one of these myths relates to autism spectrum disorder. It has been scientifically proven through robust studies that vaccines do not cause such disorders. Individuals can approach their own personal physician/ paediatrician for further queries regarding such concerns.
Newer vaccines like pneumococcal vaccine and HPV(against cervical cancer) are being introduced by our Indian government. Vaccines for typhoid, mumps, Hepatitis A, influenza andchickenpox are available in private hospitals.
Watch:Explained: Herd immunity and herd masking
Let us take a pledge
Apart from individual protection, vaccination is a social responsibility. Saving millions of lives through ‘Humanly Possible: Immunization for all’ is a campaign promoted by the World Health Organization. World Immunisation Week is celebrated from April 24 to 30 every year.
So let each one of us take a pledge that ‘Vaccination should be received by every child, and we will promote vaccination in every way possible.’
(Dr. Nagarajan V. is a consultant at the department of paediatrics, Naruvi Hospitals, Vellore. [email protected])
Published – April 15, 2025 04:52 pm IST