Vaccination involves the application of a vaccine to an individual or an animal.
Vaccination is the act and result of vaccinating . This action refers to applying a vaccine : an antigen that, when inoculated into a subject, protects them against certain diseases.
Vaccination, in this way, is the process that allows the application of a vaccine to a person. It is generally part of campaigns or programs promoted by the State to preserve public health.
Hospitals, first aid rooms and other health centers are usually the places where vaccination takes place. Typically, vaccines are administered by nurses.
Vaccination of different types
When referring to the different types of vaccines that exist, we can establish that it is very common to talk about four large groups:
-Toxoids , which, as their name indicates, have the particularity of containing a toxin from a virus or bacteria.
-Those of live viruses , which use the weakened form of the virus in question.
-Biosynthetics , which contain substances that are artificial.
-The inactive ones , which are made from small fragments of a virus or bacteria.
The first vaccine was developed at the end of the 18th century and made it possible to protect the population from smallpox . Vaccination campaigns were then developed against rabies , tuberculosis , rubella , hepatitis , chickenpox and other diseases .
Thanks to vaccination, the lethality of COVID-19 was reduced.
Official calendar
Most countries have a vaccination schedule , developed according to the indications of the World Health Organization ( WHO ). In this way, children are established to receive vaccines at a certain age and then it is indicated when they should receive boosters. The age of the vaccinated person must be defined according to the ability of the immune system to react to artificial immunization. Later, reinforcements help to increase protection.
It should be noted that the vaccination calendar usually establishes mandatory vaccines : those parents who do not have their children vaccinated when the calendar establishes it, commit an offense. This is because the authorities understand that, by not allowing their children to receive vaccines, they are putting their health at risk.
Other issues to consider about vaccination
It is important that, in addition to what has already been noted, other relevant aspects about vaccines and vaccination in general are taken into account:
-The vaccination schedule is always updated every twelve months.
-People who are going to travel to countries other than the continent in which they live, it is important that they inform themselves in advance about the type of vaccines they should receive.
-Thanks to vaccines, certain diseases, which in the past were a real evil for society, have become rare today.
-There are many groups of parents who are absolutely against vaccinating their children because they consider that they are subject to a wide variety of consequences that this process brings with it. However, health authorities establish that it is more dangerous not to vaccinate them and that the benefits of this action are much higher than the risks.
-It is important for pregnant women to consult their doctors before injecting themselves with a vaccine since it can cause significant harm to their babies.