2023-07-12 23:00:27
In 1976 Dr. Edward designed what is considered the first vaccine in history.
According to the WHO, immunizations prevent between 3.5 and 5 million deaths each year from problems such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and measles.
Common short-term symptoms after receiving an injection are pain at the injection site, temperature and/or general malaise and are signs that the immune system is reacting positively.
The history of vaccines It is older than many think. To date, it is one of the most important inventions in Medicine due to its impact in preventing serious conditions of various diseases. In this way, although they do not prevent contagion, they are very useful to reduce fatal risks in the face of a wide range of pathologies.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccines are currently useful to prevent more than 20 diseases that can be fatal. Besides immunization prevents each year between 3.5 and 5 million deaths for problems such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and measles.
On the other hand, despite all the progress achieved, vaccination coverage has stagnated in recent years and, for the first time in a decade, fell in 2020. The reason for this phenomenon is the Covid-19 pandemic because it caused a severe crisis in health systems around the world.
What is the history of vaccines?
According to the medical literature, the antecedents are found in several 16th century texts of Chinese culture. What was raised is that inoculation would be useful as a preventive method against smallpox, which at that time was the main cause of death worldwide.
While it was until 1976 when the Dr. Edward Jenner designed what is considered the first vaccine in history. Although at the time he was not taken into account, over the years it was recognized that his contribution has been one of the most important of humanity.
In 1853 the United Kingdom became the first country in the world to make vaccination against smallpox compulsory. While in 1885 the Frenchman Louis Pasteur developed the first human vaccine against rabies. And finally, in 1986, the first genetically designed immunization against hepatitis B was completed.
How does a vaccine work?
Recognize the virus or bacteria. It generates antibodies. Remember the disease and how to fight it. If the microbe reappears in the future, it is quickly identified and destroyed at the first sign.
Ways they can be applied
They can be taken orally, injected or by nebulization and, being very minimally invasive, the risk of presenting complications is very low.
Side effects that can cause
Common short-term symptoms are pain at the injection site, temperature and/or general malaise. And, strange as it may seem, they are signs that the immune system is reacting positively and will be able to deal with real threats later.
In any case, the main indication is to stay in health centers for at least 10 minutes after receiving any vaccine. If any inconvenience is generated, it is necessary to request help instantly.
For now, at the top you can find a Timeline with the history and development of vaccines in the world.
Also read:
From Mexico to the world: Vaccupedia, a “wikipedia” on vaccines
Covid-19: All current vaccines ordered by their effectiveness
What is the process for choosing volunteers for vaccine trials?
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