What is a Vaccine? Benefits Beyond Health Protection
A vaccine, a contemporary marvel of the pharmaceutical industry, also known as a biological product, is derived from pathogens. The fundamental role of a vaccine is to bolster and activate the immune system, equipping it with the power to ward off infections from an array of diseases. In instances where infection sets in post-vaccination, it serves to diminish the intensity of the disease.
Vaccines prove to be a reliable and safe strategy for disease prevention. More than just safeguarding an individual from ailments, the advantages of vaccines propagate to our immediate environment and society in a multitude of ways, underpinning the immense value of this biomedical innovation.
Exploring the Different Types of Vaccines Available
Vaccines are produced from various pathogens to stimulate the body’s immune system, enabling it to respond effectively and prevent infections. Vaccines are categorized based on their production methods, which can be classified into six types:
- Inactivated Vaccine: Made from pathogens that have been killed or inactivated.
- Live Attenuated Vaccine: Contains live but weakened pathogens.
- Toxoid Vaccine: Uses inactivated toxins produced by the pathogens.
- mRNA Vaccine: Utilizes messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce a protein that triggers an immune response.
- Viral Vector Vaccine: Uses a modified virus as a carrier to deliver genetic material from the pathogen.
- Conjugate Vaccine: Combines a weak antigen with a strong antigen to enhance the immune response.
The administration of a vaccine trains the immune system to recognize and remember the pathogen that causes the disease. Consequently, when the body encounters the same pathogen, it can rapidly generate antibodies to effectively combat the infection.
Benefits of Vaccination
1. Prevention of Illness
Vaccines protect the body from infections caused by various dangerous diseases such as measles, influenza, hepatitis, dengue fever, and shingles. When vaccinated, the body’s immune system is stimulated to produce antibodies that fight off the pathogens, reducing the likelihood of infection and illness. Additionally, vaccination helps prevent the spread of diseases, resulting in higher protection rates among those vaccinated compared to those who are not.
2. Diminishing the Intensity of Symptoms
While vaccines provide protection, they do not offer 100% immunity. However, if a vaccinated person does contract a disease, the symptoms are typically milder and less severe than in those who are unvaccinated. The duration of illness is also shorter, reducing the risk of severe complications.
3. Creation of Herd Immunity
When a large portion of the population is vaccinated, herd immunity is established, which helps prevent the spread of diseases within the community. This widespread protection benefits those who are unvaccinated or have weaker immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, vulnerable groups, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
4. Cost Saving
Vaccination is a cost-effective health strategy, taming potential medical expenses by curtailing illnesses or dampening their severity. This cuts back on hospitalization needs and the related costs, making vaccination an economical approach to maintaining public health and slackening the financial strain of disease treatment.
Exploring Vaccination in Thailand
In Thailand, the National Vaccine Institute classifies vaccines into three categories:
Basic Vaccines
Endorsed by the Ministry of Public Health, these vaccines are vital in preventing key public health complications, and are, therefore, recommended for every Thai child. The current roster of core vaccines in Thailand features eight variants offering protection from 11 diseases. Vaccines in this category include BCG (for tuberculosis), HB (Hepatitis B), OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine), DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), dT (Diphtheria, Tetanus), JE (Japanese Encephalitis), and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). The administration schedule varies by age and continues from birth through 12 years old.
Optional Vaccines
These vaccines are effective in preventing various diseases but are not included in the Ministry of Public Health’s immunization program. Individuals can choose whether or not to receive these vaccines as they are relatively expensive. Optional vaccines available in Thailand include the Rabies Vaccine, Rotavirus Vaccine, Hepatitis A Vaccine, Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine, Zoster (Shingles) Vaccine, Meningococcal Vaccine (MCV4/MPSV4), Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV-10/PCV-13/PCV-23), Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B) Vaccine, and the Dengue Vaccine. These vaccines can be administered from six weeks of age, with different guidelines for each age group.
Vaccines for International Travelers
These vaccines are intended to provide immunity for individuals who need to travel to countries where certain diseases are endemic or have outbreaks. Vaccines for international travelers include the Typhoid Vaccine, Yellow Fever Vaccine, and Cholera Vaccine.
Vaccines stand as a formidable weapon in disease prevention and the promotion of public health. Their impact transcends individual safeguarding and extends to healthcare cost reduction, economic growth support, and prevention of disease recurrence. It is, therefore, crucial for everyone to take vaccine support initiatives seriously and contribute to maintaining public health.
PSK Clinic: Vaccination Services
| Items | Prices | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza Vaccine | 800 THB | 650 THB |
| Influenza Vaccine (High Dose) | 2,500 THB | 1,990 THB |
| Dengue Vaccine (Single Dose) | 3,000 THB | 2,800 THB |
| Dengue Vaccine (Two Doses) | 6,000 THB | 4,800 THB |
