Do you know how vaccines work?

British Society for Immunology

11 Apr 202301:55

Summary

TLDRVaccinations are crucial for protecting individuals of all ages from serious diseases such as measles, mumps, and polio. They work by training the immune system to recognize and combat infections, which helps prevent illness and stops the spread of disease. Since the introduction of the measles vaccine, millions of cases and thousands of deaths have been avoided in the UK. It’s important for everyone, especially parents of young children, to ensure vaccinations are up to date. For more information, individuals can check their health records or visit nhs.uk.

Takeaways

😀 Vaccinations protect individuals of all ages from serious diseases like measles, mumps, and flu.
🛡️ Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and combat specific infections.
💉 Getting vaccinated creates antibodies and special cells that help eliminate harmful pathogens.
🌍 Vaccination helps prevent the spread of infections, protecting vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated.
📉 Since the measles vaccine was introduced in 1968, 20 million cases and 4,500 deaths have been prevented in the UK.
🔄 To maintain long-lasting protection, it’s important to complete all vaccination doses as recommended.
📘 Parents can check their child's vaccination status using the personal health record (the red book).
📞 If a child has missed vaccinations, it's advised to contact their GP practice to schedule an appointment.
🔍 For more information about vaccinations, visit nhs.uk and search for vaccines.
✅ Staying up to date with vaccinations is crucial for individual and community health.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of vaccinations?
-Vaccinations help protect individuals of all ages from serious diseases, including measles, mumps, diphtheria, and more.
How do vaccines work in the body?
-Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight specific infections by helping the body produce antibodies and special cells.
What are some diseases that vaccines can protect against?
-Vaccines can protect against diseases such as measles, mumps, diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, certain types of meningitis, and flu.
What impact has the measles vaccine had since its introduction?
-Since the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1968, approximately 20 million cases and 4,500 deaths from measles have been prevented in the UK.
Why is it important to get vaccinated?
-Getting vaccinated not only protects individuals but also helps stop the spread of infections, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.
What should parents check to ensure their child is up to date with vaccinations?
-Parents should check their child's personal health record, known as the red book, to see if they are up to date with routine vaccinations.
What should a parent do if their child has missed a vaccination?
-If a child has missed a vaccination, parents should contact their GP practice to book an appointment.
Where can individuals find more information about vaccinations?
-More information about vaccinations can be found by searching 'vaccines' at nhs.uk.
What are the long-term benefits of receiving all vaccination doses?
-Receiving all vaccination doses provides better and long-lasting protection against major diseases.
Who can be protected by vaccines?
-Vaccines can protect babies, children, pregnant individuals, young people, and adults from various infectious diseases.