The month of August is recognised as National Immunisation Month, a period during which the importance of vaccination for individuals of all age groups is emphasised. It is estimated that immunisation prevents 3.5 million to 5 million deaths annually from diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza and measles. Furthermore, vaccines play a critical role in the prevention and control of infectious disease outbreaks.
It is a common misconception that immunisations are only necessary for children. In fact, protection from some childhood vaccines can wear off over time, leaving adults at risk of vaccine-preventable disease. This risk is increased by a number of factors, including age, occupation, lifestyle, travel, and pre-existing health conditions. Vaccination of pregnant women can protect their babies after birth by transferring antibodies and preventing infection with disease-causing agents during the first few months of life.
Vaccination during childhood and adolescence is crucial for the provision of immunity against potentially life-threatening diseases, given that children are particularly vulnerable to such illnesses. In some cases, multiple doses are required to provide optimal protection for a child.
Adolescents require different types of vaccines to prevent serious diseases: such as meningococcal vaccine to protect against meningitis and bloodstream infections; Tdap vaccine to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough; and a yearly influenza vaccine to prevent seasonal influenza.
On the other hand, adults are required to maintain up-to-date vaccinations, as immunity from childhood vaccines can diminish over time. Additionally, adults are susceptible to a range of diseases. Vaccination represents a highly convenient and safe preventive healthcare measure recently.
