From the Guidelines
Vaccines do not disrupt the immune system; instead, they strengthen it by introducing the immune system to weakened or inactivated forms of pathogens, allowing it to develop protective antibodies without causing disease. The process of vaccination mimics natural infection but in a controlled, safer manner, enabling the immune system to "remember" how to fight specific pathogens and provide long-lasting protection 1. This is supported by the fact that vaccines have been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of many serious diseases worldwide, making them a cornerstone of preventive medicine.
Key Considerations
- Vaccines work by safely introducing the immune system to weakened or inactivated forms of pathogens, allowing it to develop protective antibodies without causing disease.
- The immune system then "remembers" how to fight that specific pathogen, providing long-lasting protection.
- Far from disrupting the immune system, vaccines enhance its ability to recognize and combat harmful microorganisms.
- It's essential to follow recommended vaccination schedules for optimal protection, as timing and dosage are crucial for developing proper immunity.
Special Populations
- Individuals on immunosuppressive therapies, such as those with rheumatologic and autoimmune disorders, may require special considerations for immunization, as they may be at increased risk for morbidity and mortality from various infections 1.
- The decision to vaccinate these patients should be made individually, taking into account the underlying disease and treatment, as well as the potential risks and benefits of vaccination.
- For example, patients on corticosteroids may need to taper their dose to less than 10 mg/day prior to vaccination, while those on methotrexate (MTX) may need to withhold the medication for at least two weeks before and after vaccination 1.
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From the Research
Vaccine Safety and Immune System
- Vaccines are considered safe and effective in preventing infectious diseases, with the benefits of vaccination far outweighing the risks 2, 3.
- Adverse reactions to vaccines can occur, but severe events resulting in death or permanent damage are rare 2.
- The immune system plays a crucial role in responding to vaccines, and understanding the basic concepts of different vaccines is essential to understand their mode of action, benefits, and risks 4.
Vaccine Design and Immune Response
- Vaccines can contain live-attenuated pathogens, inactivated pathogens, or only parts of pathogens, and may also contain adjuvants to stimulate the immune responses 4.
- Different vaccine designs can be applied for protection against a particular disease, each with different advantages and limitations 4.
- The induction of different adaptive immune mechanisms is required for a vaccine to be effective, depending on the biology of the infection and the targeted population 4.
Communicating Vaccine Safety and Benefits
- Communicating vaccine safety and benefits is crucial to maintaining public trust and confidence in vaccination programs 5, 6.
- Healthcare professionals should be able to provide accurate and up-to-date information about the benefits and risks of vaccination to parents and guardians of children 5.
- Innovative digital initiatives can be used to communicate the benefits of vaccination, including indirect benefits such as reducing antimicrobial resistance and improving quality of life 6.