World Immunization Week is an annual event that takes place every year during the last week of April. The week is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of vaccines and the role they play in preventing disease and saving lives.
At Fourways Urgent Care, we understand the vital role that immunizations play in maintaining good health. That’s why we are proud to support World Immunization Week and encourage our patients to get vaccinated against preventable diseases. With this in mind, we thought we would unpack everything you need to know about vaccines
Why Is It Important To Receive Vaccines?
Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from infectious diseases. They work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight specific viruses or bacteria. When enough people in a community are vaccinated against a disease, it creates what is known as “herd immunity,” which can help protect even those who are unable to get vaccinated due to health reasons.
Getting vaccinated not only protects you from illness but also helps to prevent the spread of disease to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, infants, and those with weakened immune systems. This is especially important during a pandemic such as COVID-19, where vaccines have played a crucial role in slowing the spread of the virus.
What Type Of Vaccines Are Necessary?
The vaccines you need depend on your age, health, and lifestyle. For example, children need vaccines to protect against diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), while adults may need vaccines to protect against diseases like tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap).
Additionally, certain vaccines are recommended for people who travel internationally, work in healthcare or other high-risk settings, or have certain medical conditions that put them at increased risk of disease. At Fourways Urgent Care, we offer a range of vaccines, including flu shots, travel vaccines, and vaccines for children and adults.
What Diseases Should You Be Vaccinated For?
So, apart from COVID-19, which we are all familiar with, what should you be vaccinated for, and what should you be considering for your children? We broke down the various diseases below.
HIB, or Haemophilus Influenzae Type B
This causes pneumonia and meningitis. By the end of 2021, the HIB vaccine had been introduced in 192 Member States, with global coverage estimated at 71%, although coverage varies greatly by region.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. The hepatitis B vaccine for infants has been introduced nationwide in 190 Member States, with global coverage for three doses estimated at 80%. Additionally, 111 Member States have introduced a single dose of hepatitis B vaccine for newborns within the first 24 hours of life, with global coverage estimated at 42%.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract and can lead to cervical cancer, other types of cancer, and genital warts. By the end of 2021, 116 Member States had introduced the HPV vaccine. However, global coverage for the first dose of HPV among girls has decreased to 15% due to decreased coverage in many countries in 2021.
Meningitis A
This is a deadly infection that can cause long-term sequelae. MenAfriVac, a revolutionary vaccine, was introduced in 2010 to combat meningitis serogroup A in the African meningitis belt. By the end of 2021, 350 million people in 24 of the 26 countries in the belt had been vaccinated with MenAfriVac, and 13 countries had included it in their routine immunization schedule.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to blindness, encephalitis, or death. By the end of 2021, 81% of children had received one dose of measles-containing vaccine by their second birthday, and 183 Member States had included a second dose in their routine immunization, with 71% of children receiving two doses according to national schedules.
Mumps
Mumps is a highly contagious virus that can cause painful swelling at the side of the face, fever, headache, muscle aches, and viral meningitis.
Pneumococcal diseases
These include pneumonia, meningitis, and febrile bacteraemia, which can also cause otitis media, sinusitis, and bronchitis. The pneumococcal vaccine has been introduced in 154 Member States, with global third dose coverage estimated at 51%.
Polio
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause irreversible paralysis. In 2021, 80% of infants worldwide received three doses of the polio vaccine. The coverage of infants receiving their first dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) in countries that still use oral polio vaccine (OPV) is estimated at 79%. Targeted for global eradication, polio has been eradicated in all countries except for Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Rotaviruses
These are the most common causes of severe diarrheal disease in young children worldwide. Rotavirus vaccine has been introduced in 118 countries, with global coverage estimated at 49%.
Rubella
This is a viral disease that may cause fetal death or congenital rubella syndrome if contracted during early pregnancy, leading to defects of the brain, heart, eyes, and ears. Rubella vaccine has been introduced nationwide in 173 member States by the end of 2021, and global coverage was estimated at 66%.
Tetanus
Tetanus is a bacterial infection that thrives in oxygen-deprived environments, such as unclean wounds or improperly maintained umbilical cords. C. tetani spores are ubiquitous across geographical locations and can produce a lethal toxin. Maternal and neonatal tetanus remains a public health concern in 12 countries, predominantly in Africa and Asia.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a highly infectious viral disease spread by mosquitoes. As of 2021, the yellow fever vaccine has been integrated into routine infant immunization programs in 36 out of 40 countries and territories that are at risk for the disease in Africa and the Americas. However, vaccination coverage in these regions is only around 47%.
Where Can You Get Your Vaccine?
At Fourways Urgent Care, we make it easy to get vaccinated. Our experienced healthcare professionals can help you determine which vaccines you need and administer them safely and efficiently. We offer both scheduled appointments and walk-in services for your convenience.
In addition to our in-house vaccine services, we can also provide information about vaccine clinics and other resources in your community. We believe that everyone should have access to vaccines, regardless of their income or insurance status.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, World Immunization Week 2023 is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines and encourage everyone to get vaccinated. At Fourways Urgent Care, we are committed to promoting good health and preventing the spread of disease through education and access to essential healthcare services. Contact us today to learn more about our vaccine services or to schedule your appointment.