Vaccination is one of the important achievements of modern medicine, which can prevent the real infection of the corresponding pathogens in the future by simulating the infection and making the human body produce immune response. With the global popularization of vaccination, the public’s understanding of vaccines has gradually improved, but there are still many misunderstandings. One of the common misunderstandings is that “vaccination is foolproof”, that is, vaccination is no longer necessary to worry about the infection of related diseases. This article will discuss this misunderstanding and help you better understand the role of vaccines and the management of immunization after vaccination.
I. Basic Principles
of Vaccines
Vaccines work by introducing attenuated or inactivated viruses or bacteria, or some of their components, into the body to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies and memory cells. When faced with an actual infection by the pathogen, the immune system is able to respond quickly, reducing the incidence and severity of the infection.
II. Effect
of vaccination
Validity
The effectiveness of
most vaccines has been verified by rigorous clinical trials. For example, the effectiveness of measles vaccine is more than 90%, while the effectiveness of influenza vaccine varies with different strains of epidemic virus, usually 40% to 60%.
Protective
After vaccination, individuals usually develop immunity against specific pathogens, significantly reducing the probability of infection with related diseases. However, the vaccine does not provide 100% protection. After vaccination, some people may still be infected with pathogens due to immune system factors, old age, chronic diseases and other risk factors.
3. The reason
why vaccination is not foolproof Individual differences
in
immune response
Everyone’s immune system reacts differently. Some people may have a strong immune response after vaccination, while others may have a weaker response, resulting in less protection than expected.
Vaccine type and course of treatment
Some vaccines require multiple vaccinations to achieve the best immune effect, such as HPV vaccine and tetanus vaccine. If the inoculation procedure is not completed, the protective effect may be reduced.
Mutation
of the
pathogen
Some pathogens, such as influenza viruses and novel coronavirus, have a strong ability to mutate. This means that even with vaccination, protection against specific variants may be reduced. Therefore, vaccines need to be updated regularly.
Time factor
Over time, the protective effect of the vaccine may diminish. For example, the immune response to the flu vaccine usually lasts only one year, so annual vaccination is necessary.
Fourth, the impact
of misunderstandings
Reduce awareness
of prevention
Mistaking that vaccination is foolproof may lead some people to neglect other important preventive measure, such as maintaining good personal hygiene, avoiding dense places, and conducting regular health checks.
Affect the vaccination rate
If people have unrealistic expectations of vaccine effectiveness, they may relax their vigilance after vaccination, which will affect the subsequent health behavior, reduce the overall vaccination rate and affect the establishment of herd immunity.
Medical treatment
may be delayed
If symptoms occur after vaccination, parents may mistakenly believe that there is no need to worry, thus delaying medical treatment, leading to aggravation of the disease.
V. Health management
after vaccination
Regular physical examination
After vaccination, regular health check-up, especially for the elderly, patients with chronic diseases and other high-risk groups, can detect health problems in time.
Maintain good hygiene habits
Although the protection after vaccination is theoretically stronger, reasonable personal hygiene habits are still important. Provention and control measures, such as washing hands frequently, paying attention to air circulation and keeping proper social distance, are good ways to reduce the risk of infection.
Focus on the necessary booster immunization
Some vaccines may require a booster to maintain immunity. Make sure to attend vaccinations and any necessary boosters on time, as recommended by your doctor.
Seek medical treatment
in time
If symptoms of vaccine-related diseases occur, it is necessary to consult a doctor in time, whether or not they have been vaccinated. Professional medical assessment and advice is the best way to protect your health.
Conclusion
Although vaccination is an important means to prevent infectious diseases, we still need to be vigilant after vaccination and not blindly believe that we are completely safe. Recognize the misunderstanding of “safe after vaccination”, correctly view the protective ability of vaccines, and actively carry out health management in order to achieve continuous protection. Only through scientific attitude and reasonable preventive measure, can we deal with the risk of infection more effectively and promote the overall health of individuals and society. On this basis, each of us should strive to promote a healthy lifestyle in a wise and scientific way, and build a safe line of defense for ourselves and others.
