Introduction

God had featured the human anatomy with a resilient and adaptive immune system to identify harmful microorganisms and launching a targeted defense. The body God created is also distinguished by an innovative and inventive nervous system that revealed a protective method to assist the natural defense system in 1796 by the “Father of Immunology” Dr. Edward Jenner called Vaccination. It was defined by WHO as the act of administering a vaccine to stimulate the body’s immune system and produce immunity to specific disease.

Vaccine Journey

The vaccine is a biological preparation in the form of weakened, inactive or piece of germ provided to protect our future generations. It is administered in an organized vaccine regimen scheduled differently in accordance with local diseases and risks, epidemiology and health system resources. The WHO recommended routine immunizations for children starting by BCG(Tuberculosis), hepatitis B and poliovirus vaccines right after birth. From 6 weeks to 14 weeks, children should be guarded against DTP diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and Hemophilus influenzae bacteria, pneumococcus bacteria, poliovirus and rotavirus in three doses four weeks apart. Around 9 to 12 months, it is the time for measles and rubella vaccine. Between 12 to 23 months should receive a DTP booster. For girls 9 to 14 years, two doses of human papilloma virus vaccine are recommended as it protects against cervical cancer. This is a generalized timeline that builds up the foundation for each regional circumstances, sticking to it will build strong immunity and prevent outbreaks.

Myths VS Facts

Throughout the immunization history from smallpox vaccine until covid-19 vaccine, there were fairy tales widespread deep within the community about it is hazard and health risk. Those myths were hitting three main aspects, firstly, protection and safety in which vaccines cause disease, contrary to this belief, it trains the immune system against future attacks and other state that vaccines are rushed, in reality every vaccine goes through three phases of trial and years of monitoring. Secondly, ingredients aspect where vaccines have dangerous chemicals, however research shows that vaccine components are tiny, safe amounts.  Another common rumor that vaccine causes autism, and this has been proven false because over 20 studies found no link between them. Moving on to the vaccine schedule aspect a higher percentage of caregivers believe that delaying the dose does not matter that is why experts recommend following the schedule on time sine delays leave angels unprotected. Clearing up the misconceptions will consequence into higher vaccination coverage, lower risk of severe disease and better use of health resources.

Shielding Each Other

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing that cannot be accomplished by individual effort as it is the community responsibility. Vaccination is a primary prevention method aiming to fulfill all health aspects in which it protects the physical health directly but by preventing disease it protects the child ability to think and socialize. The linkage between health and vaccination should be applied practically by community collaboration in means of herd immunity which is simplified as enough people are protected therefore the whole community is protected; in other words, it protects people who cannot protect themselves (newborns, elderly, immunocompromised). In addition, it breaks the chain of transmission resulting in less illness, fewer hospital visits and more social, mental and economical stability. Moreover, a simple comparison between vaccine and medication costs demonstrates numerically a vaccine cost around 1-5$ while medical treatment will expense between 100-1000$ so less resources consumption can be for society benefit. Community commitment can be broken into three levels initiated by individual and family level whereby each family is responsible about their child vaccination and knowledge. Then local community level to which schools, clinics and neighbors work together to make vaccines accessible. Finally, at the governmental level. It should ensure vaccines are affordable and create policy for healthcare providers and recipients. The effective association between the community levels will create solid and reliable wall of protection.

Conclusion

To wrap up, vaccination is a powerful weapon that shots peace of mind, bright future, optimistic soul, unrestricted freedom and radiant happiness towards tomorrow’s leaders under society supervision. As an ultimate insight for parents, vaccinating your child is an act of love for your family and for every family around you.