In recent years the evolution of vaccines has become a essential element to combat pandemics and diseases around the world. Vaccines have become increasingly effective and safe at preventing disease and saving lives. They are the perfect ally to help us effectively against different infections.
Importance of vaccines
The importance of vaccines is due to their ability to prevent diseases that can be serious, and even fatal. Furthermore, they not only protect the person who receives it, but also their community.
Preventive vaccination, importance and herd immunity
Preventive vaccination is a crucial tool to protect the population of various infectious diseases. By receiving vaccines our immune system is stimulated to produce the necessary antibodies, allowing it to successfully fight certain diseases. This helps not only strengthen the health of each person, but also reduce the spread of diseases in our community.
herd immunity It is a phenomenon in which the population develops resistance to an infectious disease due to the high percentage of individuals with acquired immunity. This phenomenon can occur naturally or through vaccination. Herd immunity is extremely important to protect people who cannot receive the vaccine due to health problems.
It is necessary to continue promoting vaccination as a key preventive measure to protect the health of the population and prevent the spread of diseases.
What does a vaccine contain?
Vaccines are substances that contain a weakened or inactive version of a virus, bacteria, or other infectious agent. The components that make them up may vary depending on the disease and the manufacturer, but in general, they usually include some of the following:
- Antigens: it is the substance that stimulates the immune system to produce defenses.
- Adjuvants: help enhance the immune system response.
- Preservatives: These are used to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi in the vaccine.
- Stabilizers: prevent the vaccine from losing its potency during storage and transportation.
How does a vaccine work?
The vaccination process is based on the application of a small amount of antigen to the body, either in the form of weakened viruses, proteins or fragments of the microorganism.
Once the immune system recognizes the antigen, it begins to produce antibodies and specialized cells to fight it. In this way, an immunological memory is developed that will protect us in the future. Immunity acquired through vaccination can be long-lasting or, in some cases, lifelong.
What diseases do vaccines prevent?
Vaccines have been designed to protect us against a wide variety of diseases, including polio, measles, rubella, hepatitis B, influenza, tetanus and many others. Each vaccine is made specifically to combat a specific pathogen and must be administered at a specific time in a person's life to ensure optimal protection. This is why the vaccination schedule must be followed, taking care of our health and that of those around us.
Vaccines scheduled by age
Vaccines are administered at specific ages to ensure that the patient's immune system is adequately developed and can mount an effective immune response.
In Spain, the vaccination schedule is determined by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Autonomous Communities and the Inter-territorial Council of the National Health System.
This schedule indicates the vaccines that should be administered at each stage of life, as well as the number of doses and the recommended age to receive them. Establishes which are mandatory and provides recommendations for people with chronic diseases or immunodeficiencies, people with special needs and pregnant women, among others.
Vaccines recommended by risk groups
Risk groups refer to people who are more likely to suffer serious complications if they contract certain infectious diseases. Within this group are people over 60 years of age, as well as those with chronic diseases or immunodeficiencies, among others. Some of the vaccines recommended for these cases are:
- Flu vaccine.
- Pneumococcus vaccine
- Shingles vaccine
- HPV vaccine
It is extremely important that people in this group consult with their doctor which vaccines are appropriate based on their age, health, and other individual factors.
Vaccination risk, reactions and safety analysis
Vaccination It is a safe and effective measure to prevent diseases and protect the health of the population. In Spain, exhaustive surveillance and analysis of the safety of vaccines is carried out before and after their marketing. The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) is the body in charge of this process and carries out a continuous evaluation of the safety data of the vaccines.
It is important to note that all vaccines can have side effects, although they are usually mild and temporary, such as pain at the injection site or fever. In very rare cases, severe allergies or nervous system disorders may occur. According to the World Health Organization, these reactions occur in 1 in every 1 million doses administered.
Vaccination groups and the list of vaccines by age in Spain
The vaccination groups and the list of vaccines in Spain are due to the need to protect the population against infectious diseases and reduce their spread. This scheme is designed to ensure that people receive the necessary vaccines at the right time.
Vaccines from 0 to 18 years
- Newborns: vaccine against hepatitis B, tuberculosis and meningococcal disease type B.
- Children 2, 4 and 11 months: vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, haemophilus influenza type b, pneumococcus and meningitis C
- Children 12 months old: triple viral vaccine (measles, rubella and mumps)
- Children 15 months old: chickenpox vaccine.
- Children 12 – 14 years old: vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Adolescents: the meningitis B vaccine and the combined vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis are recommended.
Vaccines in Adults
The meningitis B vaccine and the combined tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis vaccine are recommended.
Vaccines for people over 65 years of age
Adults over 60 years of age: the pneumococcus vaccine, shingles vaccine, and the flu vaccine are recommended.
For people who travel to risk areas, some specific vaccines are recommended, such as yellow fever or typhoid fever. In Spain, the State offers an international vaccination service to consult and obtain the necessary vaccines before a trip.
In Elgeadi Clinic We have a team of highly trained professionals. Our approach to comprehensive and personalized medical care makes us one of the reference prevention centers in Madrid. We offer a wide range of prevention services and have state-of-the-art technology for the early detection of diseases. If you have questions or want to know more information about our prevention services, you can request an appointment with our internal medicine doctors from Madrid.
