Despite being a proven method to counteract illnesses, vaccinations are still a topic for debate. Today, numerous anti-vaccine stories from people called anti-vaxxers are circulating online, with a particular frenzy beginning when the COVID-19 pandemic started. While the vaccination opposition is worth looking at, it's much more meaningful to take a look at how vaccines specifically work in protecting people against diseases.
Advantages of Getting Vaccinated
Human life has changed significantly after the invention of measles vaccines. Before the 1960s, a major measles epidemic occurred every two to three years, killing 2.6 million people, with most of the victims being children. Since the vaccination has been implemented and practiced globally, diphtheria and measles cases have reduced by 99.9%, and deaths from illnesses such as tetanus, polio, and smallpox are extremely rare.
This is because vaccinations are meant to protect individuals, particularly newborns, children, and those with higher risks of contracting infectious diseases. Vaccines work through instructing your body's immune system to produce antibodies that will protect you from these illnesses.
Keep in mind that vaccinations aren't only for children, as the protection offered by these vaccines can decrease over time. Your lifestyle, age, health conditions, and job can also require you to have more vaccinations. One of the most administered vaccines for all ages is the flu vaccine, which essentially protects individuals from getting a flu.
Could Vaccinations Put You at Risk?
One of the biggest reasons why anti-vaxxers are against vaccination is the posssible risk that comes with it. For instance, anti-vaxxers argue that vaccines can cause autism and allergies, compromise the immune system, and even contain thimerosal, a derivative of mercury - do take note that these arguments have already been debunked by research studies. Nevertheless, these arguments could still raise a big question-are there any lethal risks of vaccine shots?
The answer is no, there are no lethal effects of vaccination. The best way to avoid acquiring an illness or disease due to vaccination is to make sure that you're receiving the correct number of vaccine shots, and that you're following the instructions for them. Many people aren't aware of the amount of information that they need to be able to fully understand the importance of vaccination, and what they need to do in order to receive the appropriate vaccines.
If you're unsure or worried about you or your child getting a vaccine, it's best to speak with your physician, but it's highly encouraged not to neglect vaccinations. To be on the safer side, if you've experienced one of the rare cases of a flu shot gone wrong, you should get the right compensation from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
Common After Effects of Vaccination and How to Manage Them
While vaccination doesn't have any extreme, deadly results, people may experience mild after effects of getting a vaccine shot. Before undergoing any vaccine injections, your immunization provider will explain these to you.
Don't worry because these effects are common to many people, don't last that long, and don't need any special treatment. Here are some after effects that you might encounter after a vaccine shot, and ways on how to manage them:
1. Swelling or redness around the injection site
You can take a paracetamol to relieve any discomfort, then place a cold compress over the affected site to lessen discomfort. This side effect may arise after 24 hours after immunization, and last for three to five days.
2. Appearance of lump in the injection site
In some cases, a small lump might appear on the injected area, but it will eventually disappear after a few weeks without any intervention.
3. Vomiting and diarrhea
This after effects mostly happens on breastfeeding babies. If these occur in your baby, continue breastfeeding your baby with smaller but frequent intervals.
4. Sleepiness, decreased appetite, irritability, and mood swings
These side effects are common in children, but wear off after 24-48 hours without any specific treatment. But, keep an eye on your child if they keep refusing to eat.
5. Headache, fever, and muscle pain
After 24 hours, you may experience some chills, headache, or pain in the muscles, but taking pain relievers will do. These will usually go away after two days.
6. Fainting, but very unlikely
Some people with fear of the needle might encounter this. Also, you might feel a little bit light-headed after the vaccination, so lie down until the symptom eases.
Rare and Concerning Effects of Vaccine Shots
When administering flu shots, some concerning but extremely rare side effects that you might experience are:
- High fever
While you may get a manageable fever after a flu shot, a body temperature of more than 38°C should be intervened by a doctor.
- Severe allergic reactions
After a few hours, you might have allergic reactions such as swelling, hives, breathing difficulty, dizziness, and fast heart rate. If you experience these, contact your doctor immediately.
Bottom Line
Before receiving a vaccine shot, it's important to know these pieces of information to keep you away from false claims and unproved information promoted by the anti-vax movement. However, getting vaccinated is still upon your choice, but the bottom line is: getting vaccinated is much safer than contracting those diseases that could've been prevented by the vaccine.
