Do you know how vaccination works? Its principle is relatively simple: the vaccine that is injected into you puts your body in contact with killed or attenuated forms of germs, viruses, or bacteria. Harmless, these microbes will nonetheless stimulate your immune system, which will thus be prepared to face a “real” attack. Thanks to this “training,” the risk that you will get sick and, consequently, transmit a disease will be much lower. And if you do get sick, your symptoms will be much less severe. Vaccination is therefore a bit like sports training that prepares your body for intense effort… in a safe environment!
After this brief reminder about how vaccination works, can you untangle the true from the false in the following statements?
I’m young and healthy. I don’t need to get vaccinated against the flu!
It’s often true… and sometimes false! Everyone reacts differently to the germs, viruses, and bacteria that attack them. Most of the time, healthy young people cope well with the flu virus and do not develop severe symptoms. However, they could transmit the virus to others, for whom this “simple” flu could lead to much more serious consequences, potentially requiring hospitalization. Think of the elderly, young children, or chronically ill individuals.
By getting vaccinated, a healthy young person will help protect these more vulnerable individuals by avoiding passing on a potentially dangerous illness to them. That’s why vaccination against the flu, among other things, is recommended in Belgium for anyone living under the same roof as a vulnerable person.
It is better to strengthen your immune system “naturally,” without the help of a vaccine.
“Without a vaccine, our body also learns to react to an infection.” This is true, but when we are confronted for the first time with a virus, our immune system is unable to react quickly. However, a rapidly spreading infection can lead to very serious consequences, especially in (very) young children and (very) elderly individuals.
You could compare it to boxing: you could certainly learn this sport directly in the ring, facing an experienced boxer. But the knockout would likely be quick and painful… Much more so than if you had undergone prior training with a coach, in a safe environment!
If I am vaccinated against a disease, I am protected for life against it.
True/False! In some cases, the “training” provided by the vaccine (or the two or three doses of a vaccine) is indeed sufficient. Your immune system will always know how to react effectively in case of infection. It is considered that vaccination against measles (provided you have received both required doses) protects for life.
In many other cases, however, your immune system will need another “training session.” This is why a booster shot—which will reactivate your natural defenses—is necessary, for example, every 10 years for the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (a highly contagious and resurgent disease). To not miss any booster vaccinations, consider consulting the vaccination schedule.
In the case of the flu, the situation is different. Why are the “training sessions” annual? Simply because the opponent is not the same from year to year. Indeed, flu viruses have the unpleasant habit of mutating very quickly, and the circulating viruses change every year. Hence the need to adapt the vaccine each year and to revaccinate at-risk individuals.
You can experience side effects after receiving a vaccine
True! Vaccines stimulate the immune system, which believes it is facing a real infection. It thus activates a series of defense mechanisms (such as fever) and draws energy to prepare for the confrontation. This can generate side effects.
However, these effects are not symptoms of illness but simply signs that your immune system is reacting to the vaccine. They are also much less significant than the symptoms of the disease itself.
Vaccination against COVID-19 also protects me from the flu (and vice versa) or from other respiratory diseases with similar symptoms.
False! The immune system produces antibodies specific to each disease. Each vaccine thus protects against a particular disease. Thus, the flu vaccine prepares your immune defenses by putting you in contact with an “inactivated” version of the flu virus, and only that one.
It is possible to get sick after receiving a vaccine.
True/False. Let’s return to our boxing example. If you start training a few days before stepping into the ring, that training will probably not help much. The same goes for the flu: you may get vaccinated without knowing that you are already infected. Indeed, the symptoms of the disease only express themselves several days after infection. The training provided by the vaccine will therefore not have had the time to produce all its effects to protect you effectively. However, it can still help by speeding up your recovery and reducing the severity of symptoms.
It’s also possible that you may contract another illness with similar symptoms, for which the vaccine does not protect you, since each vaccine is specific to a disease. Therefore, it is entirely possible to fall ill after receiving a dose of vaccine, but the vaccine will not be the cause of it.
Have questions? Ask your pharmacist for advice
It is impossible to cover all the misconceptions circulating about vaccination here! The subject is vast, and you may have other questions related to your specific situation (if you are traveling to a distant country or if you work in a high-risk profession, for example) or your health condition.
In that case, do not hesitate to speak to your pharmacist! They will be happy to answer your questions and help you make the right decision for your health.
Do you know how vaccination works? Its principle is relatively simple: the vaccine that is injected into you puts your body in contact with killed or attenuated forms of germs, viruses, or bacteria. Harmless, these microbes will nonetheless stimulate your immune system, which will thus be prepared to face a “real” attack. Thanks to this “training,” the risk that you will get sick and, consequently, transmit a disease will be much lower. And if you do get sick, your symptoms will be much less severe. Vaccination is therefore a bit like sports training that prepares your body for intense effort… in a safe environment!
After this brief reminder about how vaccination works, can you untangle the true from the false in the following statements?
I’m young and healthy. I don’t need to get vaccinated against the flu!
It’s often true… and sometimes false! Everyone reacts differently to the germs, viruses, and bacteria that attack them. Most of the time, healthy young people cope well with the flu virus and do not develop severe symptoms. However, they could transmit the virus to others, for whom this “simple” flu could lead to much more serious consequences, potentially requiring hospitalization. Think of the elderly, young children, or chronically ill individuals.
By getting vaccinated, a healthy young person will help protect these more vulnerable individuals by avoiding passing on a potentially dangerous illness to them. That’s why vaccination against the flu, among other things, is recommended in Belgium for anyone living under the same roof as a vulnerable person.
It is better to strengthen your immune system “naturally,” without the help of a vaccine.
“Without a vaccine, our body also learns to react to an infection.” This is true, but when we are confronted for the first time with a virus, our immune system is unable to react quickly. However, a rapidly spreading infection can lead to very serious consequences, especially in (very) young children and (very) elderly individuals.
You could compare it to boxing: you could certainly learn this sport directly in the ring, facing an experienced boxer. But the knockout would likely be quick and painful… Much more so than if you had undergone prior training with a coach, in a safe environment!
If I am vaccinated against a disease, I am protected for life against it.
True/False! In some cases, the “training” provided by the vaccine (or the two or three doses of a vaccine) is indeed sufficient. Your immune system will always know how to react effectively in case of infection. It is considered that vaccination against measles (provided you have received both required doses) protects for life.
In many other cases, however, your immune system will need another “training session.” This is why a booster shot—which will reactivate your natural defenses—is necessary, for example, every 10 years for the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (a highly contagious and resurgent disease). To not miss any booster vaccinations, consider consulting the vaccination schedule.
In the case of the flu, the situation is different. Why are the “training sessions” annual? Simply because the opponent is not the same from year to year. Indeed, flu viruses have the unpleasant habit of mutating very quickly, and the circulating viruses change every year. Hence the need to adapt the vaccine each year and to revaccinate at-risk individuals.
You can experience side effects after receiving a vaccine
True! Vaccines stimulate the immune system, which believes it is facing a real infection. It thus activates a series of defense mechanisms (such as fever) and draws energy to prepare for the confrontation. This can generate side effects.
However, these effects are not symptoms of illness but simply signs that your immune system is reacting to the vaccine. They are also much less significant than the symptoms of the disease itself.
Vaccination against COVID-19 also protects me from the flu (and vice versa) or from other respiratory diseases with similar symptoms.
False! The immune system produces antibodies specific to each disease. Each vaccine thus protects against a particular disease. Thus, the flu vaccine prepares your immune defenses by putting you in contact with an “inactivated” version of the flu virus, and only that one.
It is possible to get sick after receiving a vaccine.
True/False. Let’s return to our boxing example. If you start training a few days before stepping into the ring, that training will probably not help much. The same goes for the flu: you may get vaccinated without knowing that you are already infected. Indeed, the symptoms of the disease only express themselves several days after infection. The training provided by the vaccine will therefore not have had the time to produce all its effects to protect you effectively. However, it can still help by speeding up your recovery and reducing the severity of symptoms.
It’s also possible that you may contract another illness with similar symptoms, for which the vaccine does not protect you, since each vaccine is specific to a disease. Therefore, it is entirely possible to fall ill after receiving a dose of vaccine, but the vaccine will not be the cause of it.
Have questions? Ask your pharmacist for advice
It is impossible to cover all the misconceptions circulating about vaccination here! The subject is vast, and you may have other questions related to your specific situation (if you are traveling to a distant country or if you work in a high-risk profession, for example) or your health condition.
In that case, do not hesitate to speak to your pharmacist! They will be happy to answer your questions and help you make the right decision for your health.
As global health strategies evolve, the understanding and importance of vaccination continue to grow, reflecting both advancements in science and societal attitudes towards preventive care. With the ongoing developments in vaccine technology and public health campaigns, several trends are likely to shape the future of vaccination.
Increased Acceptance of mRNA Vaccines
The success of mRNA vaccine technology during the COVID-19 pandemic has paved the way for its acceptance and use against various diseases. Future vaccines aiming to combat other viruses, such as influenza, HIV, and even certain types of cancer, may leverage this innovative technology. This shift may enhance the efficiency and speed of vaccine development, meaning quicker responses to emerging health threats.
Personalized Vaccination Programs
Advancements in genomics and personalized medicine are likely to revolutionize vaccination strategies. By tailoring vaccines to the individual’s genetic makeup and health history, public health officials can enhance efficacy and reduce adverse effects. This approach not only addresses individual needs but also extends the potential for herd immunity within diverse populations.
Emphasis on Public Education and Awareness
As misinformation spreads easily on digital platforms, public health authorities will place an even greater emphasis on educating communities about vaccination. Comprehensive educational campaigns that clarify misconceptions will likely be integrated into school curriculums and community programs. Fostering a dialogue between health professionals and the public can demystify vaccines and encourage proactive health decisions.
Global Vaccine Equity
The disparities in vaccine access highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic have initiated discussions about global vaccine equity. Future efforts will focus on ensuring that low- and middle-income countries receive adequate vaccine supplies and support. Collaborative global initiatives may emerge, addressing distribution networks and encouraging fair access to vaccinations, thereby improving overall public health on a planetary scale.
Integration of Digital Health Technologies
The integration of digital tools like mobile apps and blockchain technology could streamline vaccination tracking. Digital health records will enable individuals to easily access their vaccination history, receive reminders for boosters, and verify immunization status. This tech-driven approach enhances compliance and engages patients in their health management.
Vaccination Against Non-Communicable Diseases
Future vaccine developments may extend beyond infectious diseases to include vaccines targeting non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Research in immunotherapy is already paving the way for vaccines that could train the immune system to prevent or fight against these conditions, showcasing the potential breadth of vaccination’s role in public health.
With these potential trends, the landscape of vaccination is set to evolve significantly, emphasizing innovation, education, and equity as key pillars in the battle against disease.