Vaccine is a medical term that supports the phrase “prevention is better than cure”. Lots of deaths would have been prevented if vaccines were available to provide immunity against the death-causing disease.

In this article, we will be sharing what vaccine is, their benefits, and their side effects. Let’s begin with definitions.

What is a vaccine?

A vaccine is a medical preparation used in stimulating the production of antibodies and the provision of the required active immunity level to a specific infectious disease. They are most times administered through injections. Other times, they are administered by spraying into the nose or putting drops into the mouth.

Vaccines contain several ingredients such as preservatives, adjuvants, stabilizers, residual cell culture materials, residual antibiotics, residual inactivating ingredients, with each of them serving a particular purpose.

How does a vaccine work?

Vaccine reduces an individual’s risk of a virus, bacteria, or disease. It achieves this by actively working with the body’s natural defense setup to build protection.

It first recognizes the germ that has invaded the system and then begins to produce adequate antibodies that will help to fight the germ.

These antibodies comprise different cells one of which is the memory cell that builds up memory concerning the pathogen so that it speedily recognizes and fights the disease causing organism once it comes in contact with it in the nearest future.

This is why once one is exposed to some doses of vaccine, the person remains protected against that disease for a long period of time.

Why should I get vaccinated?

Getting vaccinated is one of the ways an individual is guaranteed total protection from a particular disease. This helps to save cost as most diseases that are vaccine-preventable are quite expensive.

Also, getting vaccinated help to protect your loved ones from the risk of getting a particular disease or infection.

What are the side effects of using vaccines?

After vaccines are administered, different individuals experience mild side effects which go away after a short period of time. These side effects are usually common and some of them include;

Headache

Mild fever
Chills
Tiredness
Muscle and joint aches

Although vaccines rarely have severe side effects, it is advised that you consult your doctor if you experience any of the following after taking a vaccine.

Extreme rashes
Unstable heartbeat
Difficulty breathing