Vaccination and health: body protection by 50%

Vaccination and health: body protection by 50%

I. The fundamental principles of vaccination

1. What is vaccination? Vaccination (or immunization) is the process of introducing antigenic material into the body in order to cause the acquisition of active artificial immunity to a specific infectious disease. Antigenic material can be weakened or killed microorganisms, their fragments (for example, proteins or polysaccharides) or genetic material (DNA), which encodes antigens. Vaccination is one of the most effective and economically appropriate methods for the prevention of infectious diseases recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other leading medical organizations around the world. The main goal of vaccination is to prepare the immune system for a future meeting with the pathogen, so that with real infection the body can quickly and effectively neutralize the infection and prevent the development of the disease or reduce its severity.

2. How vaccines work: the mechanism of the immune response. When the vaccine is introduced into the body, a cascade of immune reactions is launched. The antigens contained in the vaccine are recognized by antigen -representative cells (agro -industrial complex), such as dendritic cells and macrophages. These cells absorb antigens, treat them and represent T-lymphocytes (T-cells) on their surface in combination with molecules of the main histocompatibility complex (MHC). Depending on the type of antigen and the context of the presentation, various types of T cells are activated:

   • T-helpers (CD4+ T-cells): These cells coordinate the immune response, secreting cytokines-signal molecules that activate other immune cells, including B-lymphocytes (B-cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CD8+ T cells). T-Helpers also play an important role in the formation of immune memory.

   • Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CD8+ T cells): These cells recognize and destroy cells infected with viruses or other intracellular pathogens. They are also important for monitoring tumor growth.

   Simultaneously with the activation of T cells, the antigens of vaccines stimulate B-lymphocytes. B-cells recognize antigens using their V-cell receptors (BCR), and then absorb and treat antigens. Activated B-cells differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies-specific proteins associated with antigens and neutralizing them or facilitating their destruction by other immune cells. Some activated B cells are differentiated into memory cells, which provide prolonged protection against re-infection.

   After vaccination, an immune memory is formed, including T- and B-lymphocytes memory cells. With repeated contact with the same antigen, these memory cells are quickly activated and launched a faster and more strong immune response than in the first contact. This allows the body to effectively fight infection and prevent the development of the disease.

3. Types of vaccines: from weakened to MRNA. There are several main types of vaccines that differ in the production method and the mechanism of action:

   • Live Athene -vaccines: Contain weakened (attenuated) living microorganisms. They cause a strong and prolonged immune response, often requiring only one or two doses. However, they can be contraindicated in people with a weakened immune system. Examples: vaccines against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), chickenpox and rotavirus infection.

   • Inactivated vaccines: Contain murdered microorganisms. They are safer than living vaccines, but usually cause a less strong immune response and require several doses (booster vaccines) to maintain immunity. Examples: vaccines against poliomyelitis (SALK), hepatitis A and flu (injection form).

   • Substract, recombinant, polysaccharide and conjugated vaccines: They contain only fragments of microorganisms, such as proteins, polysaccharides or capsule components. They are safe and well tolerated. Recombinant vaccines are produced using genetic engineering methods. Conjugated vaccines connect polysaccharides with carrier proteins to strengthen the immune response, especially in children. Examples: vaccines against hepatitis B (recombinant), human papilloma virus (HPV, subunitable), pneumococcal infection (conjugated) and meningococcal infection (conjugated and polysaccharide).

   • Toxoid vaccines: Contain inactivated toxins produced by bacteria. They protect against diseases caused by toxins, and not the bacteria themselves. Examples: vaccines against tetanus and diphtheria.

   • Vector vaccines: Use a harmless virus (vector) to deliver the genetic material of the pathogen to the cells of the body. Vector vaccines can be replicated (the vestor is propagated in the cells) or unpleasant (the virus is not propagated). Example: a vaccine against the Covid-19 based on the adenovirus vector (for example, Sputnik V, Astrazeneca).

   • MRNC-vaccines: Contain MRNA (matrix ribonucleic acid), encoding pathogen antigens. After introducing MRNA into the body, it enters the cells that use it to synthesize antigens. These antigens are then represented by the immune system, causing an immune response. MRNC-vaccines do not contain living microorganisms and cannot cause a disease. Examples: vaccines against Covid-19 (for example, Pfizer-Biontech, Moderna).

4. The importance of collective immunity. Collective immunity (or population immunity) is a situation where a sufficiently large share of the population has immunity to a certain infectious disease in order to protect non -impressed persons, such as babies, people with a weakened immune system or those who cannot be vaccinated for medical contraindications. When most of the population is immunized, the spread of the infection slows down or stops, since the pathogen has less chance of finding a susceptible host. The threshold of collective immunity depends on the infection of the disease (determined by the basic reproductive number of R0 – the average number of people who are infected by one infected person in a completely susceptible population). The higher the R0, the higher the percentage of immunized persons should be to achieve collective immunity. For example, for measles, a very contagious disease, the threshold of collective immunity is about 95%, while for poliomyelitis it is about 80%. Vaccination is a key tool for achieving and maintaining collective immunity, protecting not only vaccinated people, but the whole society. A decrease in vaccination coverage can lead to outbreaks of infectious diseases and serious consequences for public health.

II. Vaccination throughout life: from infancy to old age

1. Calendar of vaccinations for children: protection from the first days of life. The vaccination calendar for children is a vaccination schedule recommended for children in order to protect against the most common and dangerous infectious diseases. National vaccination calendars are developed on the basis of the epidemiological situation in the country and the recommendations of WHO and other international expert organizations. Typically, the vaccination calendar includes vaccination against the following diseases:

   • Tuberculosis (BCG): It is introduced in the first days of life to protect against severe forms of tuberculosis, such as meningitis and militar tuberculosis.

   • Hepatitis B: It is introduced in the first 12-24 hours of life to prevent chronic hepatitis B chronic infection, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

   • Polio: It is introduced as an inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) and/or oral polio vaccine (OPV) to prevent paralytic polio.

   • Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (DTP): It is introduced into several stages to protect against diphtheria (affects the respiratory tract and heart), tetanus (affects the nervous system) and whooping cough (causes a strong cough).

   • Hemophylous infection type b (Hib): It is administered to protect against meningitis, pneumonia and other severe infections caused by HIB-bacteria.

   • Measles, mumps, rubella (mmr): It is introduced to protect against measles (causes fever, rash and complications), mumps (causes swelling of the salivary glands) and rubella (especially dangerous for pregnant women, as can cause innate malformations in the fetus).

   • Wind Ospois (chickenpox): Introduced to protect against chickenpox (causes an itching rash and complications).

   • Pneumococcal infection: It is administered to protect against pneumonia, meningitis and other infections caused by pneumococci.

   • Rotavirus infection: It is administered orally to protect against rotavirus gastroenteritis, which causes diarrhea and vomiting in infants and young children.

   Compliance with the vaccination calendar is critical to protect children from infectious diseases and prevent their distribution. Missed vaccination should be made up as soon as possible to provide timely protection.

2. Vaccination of adolescents and adults: maintaining immunity. Vaccination is important not only for children, but also for adolescents and adults. Some vaccines obtained in childhood require revaccination (booster doses) to maintain immunity at a sufficient level. In addition, there are vaccines recommended specifically for adolescents and adults, given their age, lifestyle and the risk of infection with certain infections. Vaccination recommendations for adolescents and adults may include:

   • Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough (ADS-M): Revaccination every 10 years to maintain immunity. A single ADS-m vaccination is recommended with a bloodless cough component (Adasel, Bustix) to protect against whooping cough.

   • Flu: An annual flu vaccination, especially for people with a high risk of complications (older people, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women).

   • Pneumococcal infection: Vaccination for people over 65 years old and people with chronic diseases (for example, lung diseases, heart, diabetes).

   • Drilling lichen (herpes zoster): Vaccination for people over 50 years old to prevent governing lichen and postherpetic neuralgia.

   • Human papilloma virus (HPV): Vaccination for adolescents and young adults to protect against cervical cancer, oria cancer and other diseases caused by HPV.

   • Measles, mumps, rubella (mmr): Revaccination for people who have not received two doses of MMR vaccine in childhood or do not have documentary confirmation of immunity.

   • Wind Ospois (chickenpox): Vaccination for people who have not painted chickenpox and did not receive a vaccine in childhood.

   • Hepatitis A and B: Vaccination for people who are at the risk of infection (for example, travelers, medical workers, people with certain liver diseases).

   • Meningococcal infection: Vaccination for adolescents living in hostels, military personnel and people with certain immune deficits.

   • Tick ​​-borne encephalitis: Vaccination for people living or visiting endemic areas (areas where tick -borne encephalitis is often found).

   The vaccination of adults and adolescents is crucial for maintaining immunity and protecting against infectious diseases, especially with age when the immune system becomes less effective.

3. Vaccination during pregnancy: Protection of mother and child. Vaccination during pregnancy is an important aspect of the health of the mother and child. Some vaccines recommended during pregnancy can protect both the mother from infectious diseases that can cause complications during pregnancy and the child, providing him with passive immunity (antibodies transferred from the mother) in the first months of life until he can be vaccinated. Vaccination recommendations during pregnancy may include:

   • Flu: The flu vaccination is recommended during pregnancy to protect the mother from the severe course of the influenza and its complications (for example, pneumonia) and to transfer antibodies to the child, providing him with protection in the first months of his life.

   • Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough (ADS-M): It is recommended that the ADS-M single-time vaccination with a shameless cough component (Adasel, Bustix) during each pregnancy is preferably between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, to protect a child from whooping cough, which can be deadly for babies.

   • Covid-19: Covid-19 vaccination is strongly recommended during pregnancy to protect the mother from the severe course of the Covid-19 and the transfer of antibodies to the child.

   Some vaccines are contraindicated during pregnancy, for example, live Athenoated vaccines (MMR, chickenpox). Before vaccination during pregnancy, you need to consult a doctor to evaluate the risks and advantages and choose the most suitable vaccines.

4. Vaccination of the elderly: Strengthening weakened immunity. With age, the immune system becomes less effective (immunostation), which makes the elderly more susceptible to infectious diseases and their complications. Vaccination is an important tool for strengthening weakened immunity in the elderly and protect against infections that can lead to serious diseases, hospitalization and even death. Vaccination recommendations for older people may include:

   • Flu: An annual flu vaccination, preferably using high -dose vaccines or adjuvant vaccines that cause a stronger immune response.

   • Pneumococcal infection: Vaccination of pneumococcal conjugated vaccine (PCV13 or PCV15) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) for protection against pneumonia, meningitis and other pneumococci caused by pneumococci.

   • Drilling lichen (herpes zoster): Vaccination of the recombinant vaccine against enclosing lichen (shingrix) to prevent enclosure and postherpetic neuralgia.

   • Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough (ADS-M): Revaccination every 10 years to maintain immunity.

   • Covid-19: Vaccination against Covid-19 and booster doses to maintain protection against heavy Covid-19.

   The vaccination of older people is an important part of the prevention of diseases and maintaining health in old age. Before vaccination, you need to consult a doctor to evaluate the risks and advantages and choose the most suitable vaccines.

III. Vaccines safety: disposing of myths and fears

1. Side effects of vaccines: what to expect and how to cope with them. Like any drugs, vaccines can cause side effects. However, most of the side effects of vaccines are light and temporary and pass on their own within a few days. The most common side effects of vaccines include:

   • Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site.

   • Fever (fever).

   • Headache.

   • Fatigue (weakness).

   • Muscle pain.

   • Nausea or vomiting.

   These side effects are usually a sign that the immune system reacts to the vaccine and forms immunity. To relieve these symptoms, you can use antipyretic and painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. In rare cases, vaccines can cause more serious side effects, such as allergic reactions (anaphylaxia). Anaphilaxia is a very rare, but potentially life -threatening condition that requires immediate medical care. Vaccination doctors are trained to recognize and treat anaphylaxia. Before vaccination, the doctor should ask the patient about allergies and previous reactions to vaccines. After vaccination, the patient should remain under the supervision of a doctor for 15-30 minutes to make sure that there is no allergic reaction.

2. Vaccines and autism: debunking of false ties. Numerous scientific studies have shown that there is no connection between vaccines and autism. The myth of the connection between MMR vaccines (measles, mumps, rubella) and autism was based on a falsified article published in 1998 in The Lancet magazine British doctor Andrew Waycfield. Subsequently, the article was withdrawn by The Lancet magazine, and Andrew Wakefield was deprived of a medical license for data falsification and unethical behavior. Numerous studies conducted by other scientists have not confirmed the connection between MMR vaccines and autism. Leading medical organizations around the world, such as WHO, CDC (centers for the control and prevention of US diseases) and AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), unequivocally declare that vaccines do not cause autism. Doubts of vaccines and the rejection of vaccination can lead to outbreaks of infectious diseases and serious consequences for public health.

3. Vaccines safety monitoring system: tracking and analysis of data. To ensure the safety of vaccines, there are vaccines security monitoring systems that monitor and analyze data on the side effects of vaccines. In the United States, the VARS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System), which allows doctors and patients to report any side effects that arose after vaccination. The data collected by VARS is analyzed by scientists and experts to identify potential problems with vaccines. WHO also has a global system for monitoring vaccines, which collects data from around the world and analyzes it to identify global trends and problems. If any problems are identified during the monitoring of vaccines, measures are taken to eliminate them, such as a change in vaccination recommendations or the development of new, safer vaccines. Vaccines safety monitoring systems are an important part of ensuring the safety of vaccines and maintaining confidence in vaccination.

4. Arguments against vaccination: critical analysis. There are various arguments against vaccination, which are often based on misinformation, myths and fears about vaccines safety. A critical analysis of these arguments shows that they do not have a scientific justification and contradict the data of scientific research. Some of the most common arguments against vaccination include:

   • Vaccines cause autism: As mentioned above, numerous scientific studies have shown that there is no connection between vaccines and autism.

   • Vaccines contain harmful substances: Vaccines contain small quantities of excipients, such as preservatives and adjuvants that are necessary to ensure the safety and efficiency of vaccines. The number of these substances in vaccines is safe for human health.

   • Natural immunity is better than the immunity obtained by vaccination: The natural immunity obtained after the disease can be longer and stronger than the immunity obtained by vaccination. However, getting ill with an infectious disease can be dangerous and lead to serious complications, including death. Vaccination allows you to get immunity without risk to illuminate the disease and its complications.

   • Vaccines are ineffective: Vaccines are one of the most effective tools for the prevention of infectious diseases. Thanks to vaccination, it was possible to eliminate or significantly reduce the incidence of many dangerous infections, such as polio, measles and rubella.

   • Pharmaceutical companies are interested in making a profit from the sale of vaccines: Pharmaceutical companies, like any other commercial organizations, are interested in making a profit. However, the development and production of vaccines are a complex and expensive process, and pharmaceutical companies are responsible for ensuring the safety and efficiency of vaccines. In addition, vaccination is an important instrument of public health, and the states and international organizations are interested in ensuring the accessibility of vaccines for all those in need.

   When making a decision on vaccination, it is important to rely on scientific data and recommendations of doctors, and not on misinformation and myths.

IV. Ethical and social aspects of vaccination

1. Rights and obligations: individual choice and public good. Vaccination is a difficult issue affecting the rights and obligations of both individuals and society as a whole. On the one hand, people have the right to autonomy and freedom of choice in relation to their health, including the right to refuse vaccination. On the other hand, society has the right to protect against infectious diseases, and vaccination is an important tool to achieve this goal. An individual choice of vaccination can have consequences not only for the person himself, but also for other people, especially for those who cannot be vaccinated for medical contraindications (for example, infants, people with a weakened immune system). Vaccination is an example of a situation where an individual choice can affect a public good. In such situations, it is necessary to find a balance between the rights of individuals and the interests of society. Some countries have mandatory vaccination programs that require children to vaccinate a school or kindergarten. Other countries rely on voluntary vaccination, but actively promote vaccination and provide information about its advantages and security. Ethical discussions about vaccination often concern issues of freedom of choice, public health and responsibility for protecting other people.

2. Inequality in access to vaccines: global problem. Inequality in access to vaccines is a serious global problem. In many developing countries, access to vaccines is limited due to high prices, insufficient infrastructure and other factors. This leads to the fact that millions of people, especially children, do not receive the necessary protection against infectious diseases. WHO and other international organizations are working on solving this problem, providing assistance to developing countries in the acquisition and distribution of vaccines. The COVAX (Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access) initiative was created to ensure fair and equal access to Covid-19 vaccines for all countries, regardless of their income level. However, despite these efforts, inequality in access to vaccines remains a serious problem that requires further efforts to solve it. The elimination of inequality in access to vaccines is crucial for protecting human health in the world and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

3. The role of medical workers in the promotion of vaccination. Medical workers play an important role in the promotion of vaccination. They are a reliable source of information about vaccines and can help patients make a reasonable decision on vaccination. Medical workers should be well aware of the advantages and safety of vaccines and be able to answer the questions and fears of patients. They must also actively promote vaccination among their patients, explaining to them the importance of vaccination to protect their health and the health of society. Studies have shown that the recommendations of medical workers are one of the most important factors affecting the solution of people about vaccination. Medical workers should use all the possibilities for promoting vaccination, including consultations with patients, educational programs and campaigns in the media. The efforts of medical workers in vacancies can help increase vaccination coverage and protect people’s health around the world.

4. The impact of disinformation about vaccines: the fight against false statements. Vaccines disinformation is a serious problem that can undermine the confidence in vaccination and lead to a decrease in vaccination coverage. Disinformation about vaccines often spreads through social networks and other online platforms. The struggle against vaccines disinformation requires a multilateral approach, including:

   • Providing accurate and scientifically sound information about vaccines: Medical workers, scientists and public health authorities should actively provide accurate and scientifically sound information about vaccines, explaining their advantages and safety.

   • The exposure of false statements about vaccines: It is necessary to expose false allegations of vaccines and refute the misinformation distributed through social networks and other channels.

   • Increasing awareness of disinformation about vaccines: It is necessary to increase awareness of disinformation about vaccines and teach people to recognize false statements.

   • Work with social networks and other online platforms: It is necessary to work with social networks and other online platforms, so that they take measures to combat the spread of discord misinformation.

   • Strengthening trust in medical workers and public health authorities: It is necessary to strengthen trust in medical workers and public health authorities, which are reliable sources of vaccines information.

   The struggle against vaccines misinformation is an important part of protecting human health and maintaining confidence in vaccination.

V. New horizons in vaccinology

1. Development of universal vaccines: protection against new strains. The development of universal vaccines is one of the promising areas in modern vaccinology. Universal vaccines are designed to protect against a wide range of strains and variants of the same pathogen, for example, the influenza or coronavirus virus. Traditional vaccines are often aimed at specific antigens that can change as a result of mutations, which reduces their effectiveness against new strains. Universal vaccines, on the contrary, are aimed at conservative antigens that change little in the process of pathogen’s evolution. The development of universal vaccines is a difficult task, but its solution can provide a more reliable and long -term protection against infectious diseases. Studies in the field of universal vaccines are actively conducted in many laboratories around the world.

2. MRNA -based vaccines: rapid pandemic response. MRNA -based vaccines (matrix ribonucleic acid) have become one of the breakthrough achievements in modern vaccinology. MRNC-vaccines contain the genetic code (MRNA), which is the body of the body of the pathogen antigens. After introducing MRNA into the body, it enters the cells that use it to synthesize antigens. These antigens are then represented by the immune system, causing an immune response. MRNC-vaccines have a number of advantages:

   • Speed ​​of development: MRNC-vaccines can be developed and produced very quickly, which is especially important in pandemic conditions.

   • High efficiency: MRNC-vaccines showed high efficiency in clinical trials.

   • Safety: MRNC-vaccines do not contain living microorganisms and cannot cause a disease.

   • Flexibility: MRNA technology allows you to quickly adapt the vaccines to new strains and pathogen options.

   MRNA vaccines against Covid-19 (for example, Pfizer-Biontech and Moderna) have become one of the first vaccines that have been widely used during Covid-19 pandemic. The experience of developing and using MRNC-vaccines opens up new prospects for combating other infectious diseases.

3. Personalized vaccines: an individual approach to immunization. Personalized vaccines are vaccines developed taking into account the individual characteristics of the human immune system. Traditional vaccines are developed for a wide population and do not take into account individual differences in the immune response. Personalized vaccines, on the contrary, are developed on the basis of an analysis of immune cells and other biological markers of a particular person. This allows you to create vaccines that cause a stronger and effective immune response in a given person. Personalized vaccines can be especially useful for people with a weakened immune system or to combat cancer. The development of personalized vaccines is a complex and expensive task, but its solution can open new opportunities for individualized medicine.

4. Edible vaccines: vaccination through food. Edible vaccines are vaccines that can be entered into the body through food. Edible vaccines are developed by embedding pathogen genes into plants, which are then used in food. After using the plant, the antigens of the pathogen stimulate the immune system and cause an immune response. Edible vaccines have a number of advantages:

   • Simplicity of introduction: Edible vaccines can be introduced into the body without the use of injections, which makes them more affordable and acceptable to people.

   • Low cost: Edible vaccines can be cheaper in production than traditional vaccines.

   • The possibility of mass production: Plants can be grown in large quantities, which allows you to produce edible vaccines on a mass scale.

   Edible vaccines are at an early stage of development, but they have great potential to improve access to vaccination, especially in developing countries.

VI. Conclusion: vaccination – investment in the health of the nation

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VII. Summary: the main provisions of the article

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VIII. Final remarks

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