The entry of pathogens into the human body causes a natural defensive reaction. Special antibodies are produced that attack microbes. After overcoming the disease, these substances remain in the body. Thus, immunization occurs. This is a process in which a person acquires resistance to certain diseases.
Immunization process
Today, immunization is considered one of the most effective methods of combating all kinds of dangerous diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis, whooping cough and many others. The essence of the method is the introduction of a special vaccine to a person, which activates the protective reactions of the body. For the first time this process was carried out at the end of the 18th century. According to experts, vaccination helps prevent many deaths from infectious diseases. In order for the immunity to be developed correctly, and the negative consequences were minimal, many factors are taken into account. Among them are age, health status, and vulnerability to certain diseases of certain categories of the population. It is worth noting that immunization is a great way to both prevent diseases and their wide spread (for example, tuberculosis).
Active immunization
It can be both natural and artificial. Natural immunization occurs after a disease. The second is carried out by the introduction of vaccines. Vaccines can be live, with dead microorganisms, chemical, created using genetic engineering, multicomponent, with DNA fragments of the microbe. Thus, active immunization contributes to the long-term effect, protecting the body from acute infections. The introduction of the vaccine can occur in various ways: intravenously, into the muscle, under the skin, or intradermally (most effectively). With active immunization, the correct calculation of the dose of the drug is necessary. If the norm is exceeded, a relapse of the disease is possible. With its decrease, vaccination will be ineffective.
Live virus, multiplying in the body, stimulates cellular, secretory, humoral immunity. However, this method of immunization has its drawbacks. First of all, the progression of the disease is possible. Also, such vaccines are single-component, since their combination with other microorganisms can give an unexpected reaction. Active immunization is a method that is not suitable for people with immunodeficiency, patients with leukemia, lymphoma, those who are undergoing radiotherapy. The introduction of such vaccines is also prohibited for pregnant women.
The use of toxoids
Often, toxins are used for immunization. These are substances that are obtained by exposing the toxin to formalin. Thus, it is neutralized, but retains immunomodulating properties. Such toxoids are used for vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria. This vaccination is carried out in two stages, the interval between which should be approximately 1.5 months. Then, after a year, revaccination is performed.
Passive immunization
Temporary immunity is created using passive immunization. In this case, antibodies to certain antigens are introduced. As a rule, this method is used, provided that active immunization has not been carried out, for the treatment of bites of spiders, snakes. Thus, passive immunization is a method that gives only a short-term effect (albeit instantaneous) and is usually applied after contact with the pathogen. In this case, drugs such as human immunoglobulin (normal and specific), special serums are used. Indications for the use of immunoglobulins are the prevention of hepatitis, measles, immunodeficiency, protracted inflammatory processes and infections. Immunoglobulin is obtained from the blood plasma of an adult. It is pre-tested for infection. Such drugs are administered intramuscularly. The maximum number of antibodies is observed already on the second day. After about 4 weeks they break up. Sometimes injections cause pain. Therefore, experts recommend administering drugs deeply enough.
Associated Vaccines
In some cases, associated immunization is practiced. This is the use of drugs that are made up of various antigens. The main advantage of this method is the reduction in the number of injections required for the introduction of each antigen. Moreover, such vaccination promotes the development of immunity in a fairly short time and allows you to combine antigens in various ways (depending on the current epidemiological situation). A prominent representative is the drug for pertussis, tetanus and diphtheria (DTP).
Round vaccination
In order to quickly disconnect the transmission chain of a specific disease, round immunization is performed. This is a set of measures aimed at vaccinating all children (regardless of whether they were previously vaccinated). Typically, the timing of routine immunization ranges from one week to one month. The main goal of such actions is to vaccinate all population groups from a particular disease. Often, such activities are carried out in developing countries (the spread of infection is extensive, and vaccination documentation is usually lacking).
Adverse events during immunization
Although immunization of the population is a fairly safe and necessary process, the occurrence of adverse reactions is still possible. Most often, you can observe a slight increase in temperature, pain at the injection site. Children become moody, appetite is reduced. Allergic reactions are not excluded . Rarely, Quincke's edema can be observed. If a live vaccine is used, then a mild form of the disease (measles, rubella) is sometimes diagnosed. To avoid such complications, vaccination should be carried out correctly. First of all, the child must be absolutely healthy. Before each vaccination, a doctor's examination is required, which measures body temperature, examines the oral cavity, throat, and listens to the lungs. Only after all this is a referral issued for vaccination.
How to help your child get vaccinated?
Injections cause pain in children (short-term). Therefore, it is advisable to calm the child before vaccinating. If the temperature rises after vaccination (especially above 39 ° C), medications should be given to reduce it. As a rule, during this period the child is naughty, eats badly. Do not spend active games with him, make him eat. It’s better to choose some quiet activities. It is necessary to create comfortable climatic conditions in the room: the air should not be dry, and the temperature should not be too high. It is worth pitying the child, paying him maximum attention, because now he really needs it. If after vaccination against measles, rubella, etc. there was a rash, then this should not be alarming. It usually goes away on its own after a few days. However, any long-term changes in behavior, convulsions, breathing problems, lethargy for a long time - a serious reason will turn to a specialist.
Immunization week - what is it?
The World Health Organization has been holding the European Immunization Week for 10 years. This is a set of measures aimed at disseminating information on the importance of vaccinating the population. During this campaign, everyone can learn about which vaccines can protect a person, what are the latest developments in this field. Immunization Week helps parents make the choice for vaccination. Information is available in an accessible form about all diseases that can adversely affect the health of the child. The main message of the campaign is this: immunization is an opportunity to eradicate serious diseases (smallpox, diphtheria), to get rid of them forever.