Communicable Diseases

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Immunization

Overview:

Immunization is a process through which the person is given vaccines against the disease-causing microorganisms in order to stimulate the immune system to generate the needed antibodies.

How Immunization Works:

Immunization exposes your body to a very small, very safe amount of viruses or bacteria that have been weakened or killed. Your immune system then learns to recognize and attack the infection if you are exposed to it later in life.

Benefits:

It protects children bodies against diseases and infections. Children are affected with infections when their immune system becomes unable to resist bacteria or viruses.
Children are immunized with the aim to protect them against the common infections that might lead to severe complications or deaths.
Children are immunized to ensure better health and growth.
The most needed categories to immunization are those with chronic and immunological diseases as well as the elderly, especially when an epidemic outbreaks.
When applied to the society, immunization helps reduce the funds paid on treatment.
Adults can also receive immunizations against some diseases, such as hepatitis (B), smallpox, influenza, and others.

Approved Immunization Schedule:

Safety:

The World Health Organization (WHO) stressed that the vaccines are accurately tested and continuously monitored to ensure their safety even after production.

Effects of Delayed Immunization on Children Health:

The delay of immunization doses may expose the child to the danger of affecting the targeted diseases. So, the immunization doses should be taken on time.

Side Effects:

Vaccines are developed in accordance with the highest standards of safety. Immunization has side effects like all medicines.

General Symptoms:

Headache
High temperature
Pain, swelling and redness at the injection site
Pain in muscles and joints
Skin rash

Contradictions:

Severe allergic reaction due to a previous dose of a vaccine.
Severe allergic reaction to a vaccine component, including egg protein.
After consulting the physician, patients with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection can take vaccines.
Neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and convulsions.
Children with HIV should not be given immunizations.

Precautions:

Immunization can be delayed in the following cases: