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Healthway Medical Group

Everything you need to know about vaccinations

Why are vaccines important in disease prevention?

How do vaccines protect individuals and community?

Do you know that when you get immunised or vaccinated, you are protecting yourself, your loved ones and the community?

Immunisation is critical to preventing the spread of infectious disease. When an individual is vaccinated against a certain disease, the germs are prevented from passing from person to person, and thus protecting the entire community.

Immunisation saves millions of lives every year and is widely recognised as one of the most successful and cost-effective health interventions in the world.

family portrait multi-generations

How do vaccines work?

What are vaccines and how do they work?

Vaccines are biological products used to protect people against infectious, serious and, deadly diseases. They contain a small amount of a weakened or killed (inactivated) form of the microbe that resembles the disease-causing microorganism.

When you are given the vaccine, it triggers and activates your body’s immune response. This causes your body to produce antibodies which defend your body against infection and enhance your immunity.

Your body’s immune system will therefore be stronger and prepared to fight future infections if you are exposed to the disease which you are vaccinated against.

Importance of getting up-to-date vaccination

Among the best ways to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy is to get up-to-date vaccination. This helps to provide immunity before you and your loved ones are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.

You may have received vaccines you needed as a child, but the protection from these vaccines can wear off over time. There are other risk factors that will also affect your immunity towards other diseases such as your job, lifestyle, travel, or health conditions.

What are the recommended vaccines by age?

Through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood, vaccination protects you at every stage of your life, no matter where you are. Check with your family doctor to ensure that you and your loved ones are up to date on the recommended vaccines. Read on to learn what vaccines are suitable for you at different phases of your life.

How can I pay for these vaccinations?