Vaccines

VACCINES + IMMUNISATIONS (INFORMATION)

Contents:

• Overview

• Vaccinations by age

• Types of vaccinations 

• Additional Information 

Overview,

 Vaccinations are an easy way to protect a patient from illness or disease before they come into contact with one. They reduce the likelihood of contracting a disease or illness, they work by stimulating the immune system, to recognise and fight against certain pathogens such as bacteria, without causing the disease.

Here’s a brief description about how they work:

When a patient gets a vaccine, they are exposed to something called an antigen ( a harmless part of the pathogen.) It could be a weakened version of the virus or bacteria, a closely related microorganism, or a piece of its protein or genetic material.

After the vaccine is given, the immune system recognises the foreign antigen, and responds to this by making antibodies, and activating immune cells.

This means that the body can remember the antigen, and respond quickly and efficiently, if the patient comes into contact with the pathogen in the future.

It means that the immune system can quickly start fighting the disease, and antibodies and immune cells can neutralize the pathogen, either stopping the disease developing or reducing its severity. 

 Vaccinations by age:

How are vaccines given?

Vaccines are given in different ways, depending on what you are vaccinating against, but here are the most common ways. 

IM (intramuscular) Vaccines, such as measles, mumps, rubella, and Hepatitis B, are usually administered as intramuscular injections, they are injected into the muscle, in the upper arm (deltoid muscle) or thigh (vastus lateralis muscle) 

Subcutaneous Injections (SC)

Some vaccines, like the chickenpox one are administered as subcutaneous injections.

Oral Vaccinations 

Some vaccinations are given orally, such as OPV, the oral polio vaccination. And are normally administered in the form of liquid or drops.

Nasal Spray

NSVs are sprayed into the nose. The live attenuated influenza vaccine is an example of this.

The type of method, depends on many factors such as what you are vaccinating for, and the patients age.

Additional Information 

Some patients, especially younger ones, may be nervous, or not comfortable with needles, if this is the case, you should try and reassure the patient, by staying calm your self, and if the patient would like you to do so, explain whats going to happen.

For younger patients, having a parent, or medical colleague try and distract them may help.

Research the side effects that may happen after the vaccination, and educate the patient on them, and what to do if they occur. Also, explain when a follow up will be needed (if needed) and schedule it. 

Thanks for reading and please DM me if you have any questions! I am planning on making a step by step guide to the administration of vaccines, so that should be ready soon.

Lukas :)