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What is a Vaccination?

What is a Vaccination?

A vaccination is an injection that introduces a small amount of an inactive virus or bacteria into the body, allowing the immune system to build up resistance to future infections and serious illness. This process mimics how the human body learns to fight off infection. Most vaccinations are given by injection, though some may be taken orally.

Vaccinations given to infants and children typically require one to three initial doses followed by future doses called boosters to sustain and “boost” immunity. Some vaccines, like the seasonal flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines, require frequent boosters because the viruses they protect against mutate frequently.

Vaccinations provide an essential defense against diseases that can make you very sick and can be spread to other people as well.

How Do Vaccines Work?

How Do Vaccines Work?

A vaccine contains a weakened form of a disease that allows the body’s immune system to produce a replica of the original bacteria or virus. This copy prompts the immune system to fight off future potential infections.

The immune system’s main job is to protect against harmful germs or other foreign substances that enter the body. The body’s immune system consists of organs and tissues, including white blood cells, proteins (antibodies), bone marrow, lymph nodes and vessels, the spleen, and skin.

The immune system can differentiate between the body’s own cells and foreign germ cells. The antibodies attack and destroy these germs cells prohibiting an infection from developing. Doctors might prescribe antibiotics when a person is sick. However, they only work to combat bacteria, not viruses.

Vaccinations were created to protect people from getting certain dangerous diseases. The CDC recommends vaccinating children when they are young so their bodies can build long-term immunity and prevent diseases at a young age.

There are several reasons why vaccinations are so necessary for children:

  • Prevent death from certain diseases - At one time, particular diseases were a death sentence for some children. Vaccinations have eradicated many diseases and saved many children’s lives.
  • Safe and effective - Scientists and researchers continue to discover safe and effective vaccinations for children. Some vaccines might have uncomfortable side effects, but protection against a potentially lethal disease is worth a sore arm for a day.
  • Protect people around you - Children react to diseases differently than adults—depending on the disease, they may not become as sick as older adults. Some adults can become very ill quickly if they contract a disease that vaccination could have avoided.
  • Convenience - Many schools and workplaces will not allow unvaccinated people to attend

Types of Vaccines

Types of Vaccines

Some dangerous yet preventable diseases are still active in the United States today. Vaccinations are available for diseases like polio, which can cause an infection of the brain and spinal cord, leading to paralysis. Skipping vaccinations can make you vulnerable to serious illnesses that could result in hospitalization or death.

Here is a list of recommended vaccinations for diseases that can affect children, teens, and adults:

Immunizations are proven to save people from dying of preventable diseases. Vaccinating your children when they are young can help prevent illness later in life.

Pregnancy and vaccinations

Pregnancy can be an exciting time for the whole family. When a mother becomes vaccinated, that protection is passed along to the baby until the child is ready to receive a vaccine. The CDC recommends pregnant women receive the COVID-19, flu, and whooping cough (Tdap) vaccines.

Vaccines for children

Vaccinations for children begin at birth and continue into their teens. The most common vaccinations a child should receive are:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis
  • Inactivated poliovirus
  • Haemophilus influenza type b
  • Rotavirus
  • Pneumococcal conjugate
  • Influenza
  • Measles, mumps, rubella
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis A
  • Meningococcal
  • Pneumococcal polysaccharide

Your child’s pediatrician will recommend the latest, most appropriate vaccines needed.

Vaccines for adults

Adults need vaccination protection too. Vaccinations that adults may have received as children could wane over time. Some of the main vaccines suggested by the CDC for adults include:

  • COVID-19 vaccines - Plus additional booster shots as needed
  • Seasonal flu vaccine - This vaccine changes every year. Flu shots are highly recommended for people with chronic illness or immunocompromised conditions.
  • Tdap vaccine - Adults should receive this vaccine against pertussis (whooping cough) if they were not vaccinated as adolescents
  • Td - Tetanus, diphtheria, or Tdap booster shot every ten years. Pregnant women should receive this shot between 27 to 36 weeks each time they are pregnant.

There are other vaccinations available for adults that are recommended but not considered mandatory. Talk with your doctor about which vaccines are right for you and your family.

Vaccines for travelers

Knowing the vaccination requirements for your travel destination will make your trip smooth from start to finish. It is important to prepare in advance, as each country has different requirements. For instance, some people might consider getting a Typhoid vaccination if they will be traveling to countries with poor sanitary conditions. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for people traveling to areas with active disease cases.

Learn the vaccination requirements for the areas you intend to visit. Vaccine requirements can change; your doctor will inform you of the latest vaccinations needed for your intended destination. COVID-19 vaccinations and other requirements vary by destination.

Preparing for a Vaccination

Preparing

Though getting a vaccine doesn’t require any extensive preparations, you can take certain steps to make sure it goes well, including:

  • Avoid drugs or alcohol before the vaccination
  • Make an appointment with your doctor
  • Follow any specific instructions your doctor has given you
  • Don’t receive multiple vaccines at the same time if avoidable

Rest a little, if possible. Some vaccines give slight symptoms that may make you uncomfortable for a day.

Side Effects of Vaccines

Side Effects

Most people who receive vaccinations do not experience serious side effects. The most common complaints are pain at the injection site and a sore arm. Side effects indicate that the vaccination is working and the body is building immunity against a disease.

Other common side effects of vaccines are usually mild and may include:

  • Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches and joint pain

In rare cases, people may faint after a vaccination or have serious allergic. Signs of a reaction include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swelling of your face and throat
  • Hives or rash on your body
  • Increased heartbeat
  • Dizzy or weak If you experience any of these allergic reactions, call 911 and immediately seek medical attention. Alert your doctor about any bothersome side effects that last longer than 48 hours.
Get Care

Schedule a Vaccination at NewYork-Presbyterian

NewYork-Presbyterian knows that staying on top of your vaccines is an important way to keep you and those around you healthy and safe. Make an appointment to visit one of our state-of-the-art medical groups in the New York City area, including Westchester and Putnam counties.

Our caring healthcare professionals are experts in many areas of medicine within our medical groups. NewYork-Presbyterian medical groups offer same-day appointments for critical needs, easy scheduling with early, late, and weekend hours. Referrals to specialists are available and most insurance is accepted. Our patients can also access to their own patient portal for answers to any questions they might have.