Let's talk about: 5 Facts you should know about Vaccinations

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SHOTS SHOTS Let's talk about vaccinations.

What do they do?

Vaccines train your body to fight specific infections.

This, in turn, protects against certain infections, or reduces the severity of such infections if they are ever developed in the future.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines usually contain a version of a viral particle or bacteria that may either be killed or modified in some way.

Some vaccines may incorporate only a specific part of the virus or bacteria.

As a result, the virus or bacteria in the vaccine are made much weaker, and are unable to cause full-blown illness.

However, the immune system will still fight against them.

This reaction is known as an immune response.

This immune response allows the immune system to form memory against these viruses or bacteria and the know how to fight them, in case they are ever re-encountered in the case of a true infection.

What diseases can vaccinations protect you against?

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

Measles, mumps, and rubella belong to a group of viruses that can cause infections leading to permanent neurological issues, which can be deadly.

Hepatitis B is a type of virus which can lead to serious diseases such as liver failure and liver cancer.

Meningococcal

Hepatitis B

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection involving the brain which can result in long term disabilities.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that commonly affects the lungs. Other organs such as the heart and kidney can be affected in serious infections.

CALLING ALL THE

SHOTS SHOTS Let's talk about vaccinations.

Diphtheria

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What diseases can vaccinations protect you against?

Influenza

SHOTS SHOTS Let's talk about vaccinations.

The 'flu', usually refers to 'influenza', an infection caused by the influenza virus. When serious, it can affect the lungs and worsen chronic diseases.

The best way to reduce the risk is with the annual or bi-annual influenza vaccine(s).

Pneumococcal bacterial infections can affect the lungs, ears and occasionally, the brain.

There are two pneumococcal vaccines, and the choice of which to be vaccinated with usually depends on one's age and medical conditions. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to find out more!

Pneumococcal

Are they compulsory?

Only certain vaccinations are compulsory by law - namely, immunisations for Diphtheria and Measles (MMR).

Please refer to the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), and the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) for the recommended timeline for immunisations.

Others, while not compulsory, may be highly recommended for certain individuals.

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