THE ROLE OF VACCINES IN PROTECTING COMMUNITIES FROM DISEASE

The concept of herd immunity -- where a high percentage of vaccination prevents the spread of an infectious disease in a community -- is important, as apart from individual protection, vaccination also helps protect others by stopping the spread of diseases

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Over the past five decades, vaccinations have prevented more than 150 million deaths among humans from deadly infectious diseases. The once-dreaded infection small pox for instance, had been eradicated; other serious infectious diseases like polio and measles are now on the verge of elimination. Every minute, six people are being saved by immunisations, demonstrating that, vaccines are one of the best modern medical inventions, vastly benefitting humankind.

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Understanding vaccines

Vaccines are usually given as injectables during childhood. Vaccines prepare our body to fight against infectious diseases. They stimulate the immune system of the person to produce antibodies. This immune response protects the person from that particular infection, if he or she is exposed to the infection in the future. Apart from routine childhood immunisations, pregnant women and elderly people also require certain immunisations to boost their immunity.