COVID-19 has made a very big impact on all of us, but now more than ever people are asking questions about immunizations and vaccinations. Below you will find a list of common questions and easy to understand answers.
Questions 1 - Is a vaccine the same as an immunization?
Kind of. Immunization can be seen as the product of receiving a vaccination, but the terms can be used interchangeably. Below you will find the definitions provided by the CDC.
Vaccination: the act of introducing a vaccine into the body.
Immunization: A process by which a person becomes protected against a disease through vaccination. This term is often used interchangeably with vaccination or inoculation.
Question 2 - What is a vaccine?
In general, a vaccine contains a modified version of whatever bacteria or virus that is trying to be prevented. A vaccine can be defined as substance used to stimulate production of antibodies against a disease or illness. It is normally an injection that includes the same germs that cause the disease. These germs have been weakened or only contain part of the germs so they do not cause you to become sick.
A vaccine triggers the same response in your immune system that would occur if you contracted the disease. You, therefore, develop immunity against the disease without actually having to get it.
Question 3 - How do vaccines work?
Vaccines work by firing up your immune system to produce antibodies to fight the disease without actually having to contract it. Your body then remembers the disease and is able to protect the body against it in the future.
If you would like to learn more about the types of vaccines and how they work, we encourage you to visit the CDC.
Question 4 - Why do vaccines like the flu shot change every year?
Viruses like Influenza can evolve quickly, therefore, the vaccine needs to be adjusted each year. Small changes to a virus can cause antibodies that were created by previous infection or vaccine to be unable to recognize the new version of the virus.
Question 5 - Are vaccines safe?
Vaccines must go through rigorous testing to ensure they are safe. According to the CDC, “Before a vaccine is ever given to people, FDA oversees extensive lab testing of the vaccine that can take several years to make sure it is safe and effective. After the lab, testing in people begins, and it can take several more years before the clinical studies are complete and the vaccine is licensed.
Once a vaccine is licensed, FDA, CDC, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other federal agencies routinely monitor its use and investigate any potential safety concerns.”
Question 6 - Are there side effects from vaccines?
Yes, vaccines may cause mild side effects. Common side effects may include; inflammation and redness at the site of the injection and muscle soreness, which is due to inflammation caused by your body starting immune response.
Again, the vaccine is thoroughly tested before being available to the public. By this time scientists will have data to be able to predict side effects. Severe long term side effects are extremely rare.