Commentary - (2023) Volume 10, Issue 4
Received: Aug 25, 2023, Manuscript No. JEBMH-23-116950; Editor assigned: Aug 28, 2023, Pre QC No. JEBMH-23-116950 (PQ); Reviewed: Sep 14, 2023, QC No. JEBMH-23-116950; Revised: Sep 22, 2023, Manuscript No. JEBMH-23-116950 (R); Published: Sep 29, 2023, DOI: 10.18410/jebmh/2023/10/03/68
Citation: Datusalia P. Vaccines and Immunization: Preventing Disease and Promoting Public Health . J Evid Based Med Healthc 2023;10(03):1-1
Vaccines are one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of medicine. They have not only saved millions of lives but also transformed public health worldwide. Vaccination is a crucial tool in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting individuals and communities from the devastating effects of epidemics. This article delves into the world of vaccines and immunization, exploring their significance, development, and impact on public health. Immunization is a process that strengthens a person's immune system to prevent or control a particular disease. It involves introducing a substance called an antigen into the body. The immune system then responds by producing antibodies, which are proteins that fight the specific pathogen associated with that antigen. Once the immune system generates these antibodies, it 'remembers' how to fight the disease. So, if the person is ever exposed to the actual pathogen, their immune system can swiftly respond and protect them from getting sick.
The history of vaccination dates back to the late 18 century when Edward Jenner, an English physician, developed the world's first vaccine. He noticed that milkmaids who had contracted cowpox, a relatively mild disease, seemed immune to smallpox, a deadly and highly contagious disease. Jenner collected material from cowpox sores and inoculated an eight-year-old boy with it. The boy developed cowpox but did not contract smallpox when later exposed to it. This groundbreaking discovery led to the development of the smallpox vaccine, which was the first vaccine ever created. Smallpox, a devastating disease responsible for countless deaths, was eventually eradicated through widespread vaccination campaigns. Vaccines work by imitating the presence of a pathogen without causing the disease itself. They contain either weakened or inactivated forms of the pathogen, parts of the pathogen (like proteins or sugars), or genetic material that provides instructions for producing pathogen-related proteins. When a vaccine is administered, it triggers an immune response without causing the disease. This primes the immune system to recognize the pathogen and develop a defense mechanism in case of future exposure. Vaccines are designed to create 'immunological memory,' meaning that they help the immune system remember the pathogen and how to fight it. This memory can last for many years, or even a lifetime, ensuring long-term protection.
Vaccination not only protects individuals but also plays a crucial role in achieving herd immunity. Herd immunity occurs when a significant portion of the population becomes immune to a disease, either through vaccination or previous infections. As a result, the spread of the disease is significantly reduced, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, such as individuals with certain medical conditions or compromised immune systems. Herd immunity is particularly important in preventing the resurgence of diseases with low vaccination rates. If too few people in a community are vaccinated, the pathogen can continue to spread, putting the entire population at risk. Achieving herd immunity through widespread vaccination is essential in controlling infectious diseases. Vaccines and immunization are cornerstones of public health. They have saved countless lives, prevented suffering, and led to the eradication of deadly diseases. As the world continues to face new health challenges, vaccines remain an essential tool in preventing and controlling infectious diseases. Ensuring equitable access to vaccines, countering vaccine hesitancy, and supporting ongoing research are vital steps in safeguarding public health for generations to come.
