Vaccination is a simple, safe, and effective way of safeguarding you against deadly diseases.

The last week of April is celebrated as World Immunization Week, by the WHO, with an aim to highlight the importance of vaccines to protect people of all ages against diseases.

Vaccines reduce the risk of being infected by a disease by building the body's natural defense system. 1

WHY ADULTS NEED VACCINES TOO

Vaccines protect against severe health consequences

Vaccination can provide protection not only against the disease but also against the complications as well. For example,

Flu vaccine: One annual shot helps to avoid infection and reduces the chances of being hospitalized, and risk of mortality as well.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine: HPV is a leading cause of cervical cancer and can cause other cancers in both women and men. A simple vaccine can protect you from the immediate effects of the virus as well as from the various cancers it can trigger.

Hepatitis B vaccine: It can prevent liver damage and liver cancer caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV).

To Know about More Vaccines

A key to solving antibiotic resistance

Popping an antibiotic every now and then, without consulting a doctor, amplifies the serious threat around 'Antibiotic Resistance'. When a bacteria develops the ability to defy the effect of an antibiotic, making it ineffective, this is called antibiotic resistance. Globally, antibiotic-resistant germs have been the reason for more than 1.2 million deaths in 2019, according to a new estimate published recently in the Lancet.[2] Vaccines play an important role in ensuring that infections do not occur in the first place.

Vaccines safeguard your loved ones too

From being too young or too old or if they have a weakened immune system, some people might not be eligible for vaccinations. But by staying up-to-date with your vaccines, you can prevent the spread of an infection and protect them.

Approved vaccines are safe and effective

All vaccines go through clinical trials and rigorous protocols to test for safety and effectiveness. Though there can be some side effects, most people experience only mild ones. They usually go away on their own within a few days. Serious or long-lasting side effects are extremely rare.

Finding it difficult to get the vaccine you need? Explore our range of vaccines.

WHO NEEDS VACCINES THE MOST?

Depending on their medical history or health status, one might have different requirements for vaccines, some people are more likely to develop infectious diseases. For example,

Children

Infants and young children do not have fully developed immune systems. Keep their immunizations up-to-date.

Pregnant Women

The immune system can be weaker than usual during pregnancy, which leaves you more susceptible to diseases like the flu. Additionally, certain vaccines may protect the baby during its development or even after delivery.

Elderly and those with comorbidities

People over the age of 65 often have compromised defense systems. Also, people naturally become more susceptible as they age. Similarly, individuals with health risks like diabetes, heart diseases, lung or kidney diseases, etc need to discuss immunizations with their doctor specifically.

Based on your medical history or health status, a doctor can be your best guide for vaccine recommendations.

References:

https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)02724-0/fulltext

Medically Reviewed by

Ramendra Kumar Raman, PhD, Clinical Research