Vaccination

Overview

Immunization, commonly known as vaccination, is a proven method to activate your immune system and protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. It involves a controlled, safe exposure to a small amount of weakened or inactive viruses or bacteria. This exposure enables your immune system to recognize and fight off these diseases more effectively in the future, either preventing infection entirely or reducing the severity of illness.

General Information on Immunizations

Most diseases preventable by vaccines are caused by either viruses or bacteria. Vaccines contain inactive or weakened forms of these organisms, which train your body to identify and combat them. The immunization process works as follows:

1. Administration – A vaccine is typically administered through an injection.

2. Immune Response – Your body produces antibodies and memory cells against the vaccine.

3. Defense – If exposed to the real disease, your immune system uses these antibodies to fight it.

4. Ongoing Protection – Memory cells remain in your body, providing long-term immunity.

Vaccines are mostly administered during childhood, but some are necessary throughout adulthood for continued protection.

Influenza (Flu)

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, the flu can lead to hospitalization or death. The best protection is an annual flu vaccine, typically given in the fall.

Impact of Influenza

• Affects 5–20% of the population annually

• Over 200,000 hospitalizations due to complications

• Approximately 36,000 flu-related deaths each year

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?

Anyone who wants to lower their risk of getting the flu can benefit from vaccination. However, certain groups are strongly recommended to receive the flu shot due to higher risk:

• Individuals aged 65 and older

• Residents of long-term care facilities

• People with chronic lung or heart conditions, including asthma

• Children and adults with compromised immune systems

• Pregnant women

• Children aged 6 to 23 months

• People aged 50 to 64, especially those with underlying health conditions

• Healthcare workers and caregivers of high-risk individuals

Pneumococcal Immunization

Understanding Pneumococcal Disease

Pneumococcal disease, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, can lead to serious health issues such as pneumonia, bacteraemia (blood infection), and meningitis. This infection is particularly dangerous for young children and older adults.

Symptoms

• High fever

• Cough

• Chest pain (in pneumonia)

• Signs of severe complications in bloodstream or brain

How It Spreads

The bacteria often reside in the nose and throat. It’s not always clear why they sometimes cause illness, but person-to-person transmission is common.

Prevention

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against 23 different strains and is highly effective in preventing severe outcomes, hospitalizations, and fatalities.

Who Should Receive the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

Adults are advised to get vaccinated if they fall into any of these categories:

• Aged 65 or older

• Have chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or liver disease

• Have weakened immunity due to medical treatments or conditions (e.g., cancer, HIV/AIDS)

• Live with kidney disease, or have had organ transplants or splenectomy

• Belong to certain Indigenous populations

How Vaccines Help

Vaccines provide a safe method to prepare your body’s natural defences. After receiving a vaccine:

• Your immune system creates antibodies against the disease

• These antibodies help fight the real infection if encountered

• Memory cells remain for years, offering continued protection

Vaccination is a key strategy to stay protected throughout your life and reduce the risk of preventable diseases.