How Vaccines Work: Impact on the Immune System

Vaccines are essential for preventing serious diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, hepatitis, and many others. Through their impact on public health and individual protection, these medical tools not only save millions of lives each year but also strengthen communities by reducing outbreaks, hospitalizations, and health complications. Learn how they work, what diseases they can prevent, and why they are essential in building a healthier future for all.

What Are Vaccines and Why Are They Vital?

The vaccines They are biological products designed to prevent infectious diseases by stimulating the body's immune response. Since their invention, they have been one of the greatest advances in modern medicine, saving millions of lives and improving quality of life worldwide.
Beyond protecting the individual, vaccines are an essential pillar in the public health, as they help prevent outbreaks, reduce hospitalizations, and decrease mortality associated with serious illnesses. These include not only influenza, pneumonia, or hepatitis, but also diseases such as measles, meningitis, and cervical cancer.

A Historical Review: The Power of Vaccination

The history of vaccines began with Edward Jenner in 1796, who developed the first smallpox vaccine. This discovery marked the beginning of a revolution in disease prevention. Since then, vaccines have succeeded in eradicate smallpox and control diseases such as polio, which previously caused devastating epidemics.
In the case of polio, for example, mass vaccination has led to its elimination almost everywhere in the world, saving generations from the crippling consequences of this disease.

How Do Vaccines Work?

When a person receives a vaccine, their body is exposed to a safe, controlled version of a pathogen, such as a virus or bacteria, or even fragments thereof. This stimulates the immune system to produce specific antibodies without causing disease. In the event of a future infection, the body will quickly and effectively recognize and fight the pathogen.

There are several types of vaccines depending on their composition, including:

1. Live attenuated virus vaccines, such as measles and chickenpox.
2. Inactivated vaccines, such as hepatitis A.
3. Subunit vaccines, which include pathogen-specific components, such as the HPV vaccine.
4. mRNA vaccines, a recent innovation used against COVID-19.

Diseases We Can Prevent with Vaccines

1. Flu (Influenza):
   Seasonal influenza causes between 290,000 and 650,000 deaths annually worldwide, according to the WHO. The flu vaccine not only reduces the risk of infection but also prevents serious complications, such as pneumonia or exacerbations of chronic diseases.
2. Pneumonia:
   Pneumococcal pneumonia is a leading cause of death in children under five years of age and older adults. Pneumococcal and influenza vaccines are essential to protect these vulnerable groups. Furthermore, vaccination programs have been shown to significantly reduce the burden of this disease in both developed and developing countries.
3. Hepatitis A and B:
   These infections can lead to serious liver complications, such as cirrhosis and cancer. Childhood vaccination against hepatitis B has dramatically reduced its incidence in many countries, protecting both children and adults.
4. Human Papillomavirus (HPV):
   This virus is associated with various types of cancer, including cervical cancer, which is one of the leading causes of death in women. The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing persistent infections and precancerous lesions.
5. Measles and Rubella:
   These diseases, which once caused high rates of mortality and disability, are now preventable through vaccination. In some countries, measles outbreaks have resurfaced due to declining vaccination rates, underscoring the importance of maintaining strong immunization programs.

Expanded Vaccination Benefits

• Personal and Community Protection:
  Vaccination not only protects the individual but also contributes to herd immunity. This is crucial to protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as people with severe allergies, newborns, or immunocompromised patients.
• Reducing Health Costs:
  Preventing disease through vaccination avoids significant medical expenses associated with hospitalizations, prolonged treatment, and lost work productivity.
• Disease Eradication:
  Examples such as the elimination of smallpox and the drastic reduction in polio cases demonstrate that vaccines are indispensable tools for eradicating diseases globally.

Myths and Misinformation: The Challenge of Vaccination

Despite their effectiveness, vaccines face challenges due to the disinformationMyths such as the alleged link between vaccines and autism have been debunked by rigorous scientific studies. However, fear and doubt persist, fueled in part by the spread of false information on social media.

It is crucial to address these myths through educational campaigns that clearly explain the benefits and safety of vaccines, supported by solid scientific evidence. Health organizations, such as the WHO and the CDC, play a key role in this effort.

Vaccination in the Era of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of vaccines as an essential tool for controlling emerging diseases. mRNA vaccines, developed rapidly without compromising safety, are a testament to scientific progress and human capacity to address global challenges.

Conclusion: Protect Your Health and That of Your Community

Vaccination is not just an act of personal protection, but a commitment to collective well-being. Vaccines have changed the course of health history, eradicating diseases, reducing their impact, and saving millions of lives.

Protecting ourselves and others is in our hands. Keep your vaccination schedule up to date and be part of the global effort for a healthier world.