Vaccination is essential for both direct and indirect protection of the general population. It is a fact that vaccines save lives.
With more than 7.6 billion human inhabitants, the Earth is the perfect breeding ground for the development of infectious disease-producing pathogens. It is not surprising, therefore, that studies estimate that 95% of the world’s population has some type of disease at any given time.
The basic reproductive rhythm (r0) is a parameter that refers to the number of new cases produced by a patient throughout his infection, that is, the average number of infections he will generate. To get an idea of this parameter, the r0 of influenza usually fluctuates between 1.5 – 3 and that of measles has a value of 18. Yes, this means that, without the relevant measures, a measles infected person can infect an average of 18 people until they are cured.
This is why vaccines are so important: an immune individual has a theoretical r0 of 0, because he cannot become infected at any time and, therefore, will not transmit the disease. Have you ever thought about how many lives you have indirectly saved with the simple act of getting vaccinated? To gain knowledge and awareness, today we present the 15 types of vaccines and their characteristics.
- We recommend you read: “The 3 differences between infectious and non-infectious diseases”
What is a vaccine?
A vaccine is defined as apreparation intended to generate acquired immunity in the individual against a disease by stimulating the production of antibodies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), absolutely any vaccine made available to the public is completely safe due to strict premarket testing protocols, which is why skepticism comes out the back door as soon as we introduce this topic.
In general, four large blocks of vaccines are distinguished. These are as follows:
- Live attenuated vaccines: use a weakened form of the virus that causes disease. There is immune system response, but no infection.
- Inactivated vaccines: use the killed version of the germ in question. They don’t usually provide as strong immunity as live ones, but sometimes they’re the only option.
- Subunit, recombinant, polysaccharide and combination vaccines – use specific parts of the germ.
- Toxoid vaccines: use as an injectable one of the toxins produced by the germ and not the germ itself (alive or dead).
What are the types of vaccines?
While the number of vaccines increases as humans advance culturally and medically, there are 15 that have become generally established in the population. We present them to you below.
1. Chickenpox vaccine
Chickenpox is an extremely common viral infectious disease in school environments and, therefore, until the year 2000 it was assumed that practically every inhabitant of the Earth was going to pass it at some point in his life. Thus, it is estimated that in the United Kingdom 80% of people have already been infected before the age of 10.
Since 2000, a chickenpox vaccine has been made available to the public, thefirst dose of which is given to children between 12 and 15 months of age. A “reminder vaccine” is required, which is given at ages 4-6. Immunized adults can also be vaccinated at any time in their lives and, according to medical portals such as the Association of Spanish Pediatrics (AEPED), the application of this vaccine is recommended universally.
2. DTaP vaccine
This vaccine has simultaneous uses, as it protects the patient against three bacterial diseases: diphtheria (D), tetanus (T) and pertussis (aP), all serious pathologies. DTaP is only applicable to children younger than 7 years, although there are other vaccination options for adolescents and adults. In general, it is recommended that its administration be universal and that 5 vaccination events be carried out during the life of the infant so that he acquires total immunity.
3. Hepatitis A vaccine
Hepatitis A is a serious contagious liver infection caused by a virus that can rarely cause liver failure and death in the patient (more common in people over 50). This vaccine falls within the group of inactivated and two doses of administration are recommended, the first between 12 – 23 months of age and the second 6 months later.
4. Hepatitis B vaccine
Same premise as the previous case, but this time we are facing a subunit vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine prevents the infectious disease that gives it its name.
5. Hib Vaccine
The Hib vaccine prevents infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b, a bacterium that causes multiple clinical pictures (especially pneumonia). Thanks to this vaccine, severe cases of Hib disease have decreased by more than 99% since 1991. Again, this vaccine falls into the category of subunits and is administered in 3 or 4 doses. It should be noted that children over 5 years of age and adults do not usually receive it, although its application can be contemplated when the patient has certain diseases.
6. HPV vaccine
The human papillomavirus (HPV) encompasses more than 100 viral types and 14 of them are really worrying, because they have oncogenic potential (to cause cancer). HPVs 16 and 18 are associated with70% of cervical cancer casesin women and are associated with transmission during sexual activity. The HPV vaccine precisely immunizes against these subtypes.
In general, this vaccine is administered in 2-3 doses and is recommended in people between 9 and 27 years of age, moments in which the initiation of sexual activities is contemplated and the chances of infection are triggered.
7. Flu vaccine
What about this vaccine that is not already known? There are many flu viruses and these are constantly changing. Therefore, every year a new vaccine is manufactured to protect the patient against 3 or 4 viruses that are likely to cause the flu in the next season (autumn-winter). Therefore, the protection is annual and not for life, as is the case with many others already mentioned.
In adults with a single application is enough, and is recommended in those with certain health conditions, the elderly and young children. Even so, everyone can get vaccinated if they want (except in a few cases).
8. Meningococcal vaccine
The meningococcal ACWY vaccine can help prevent meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W and Y. We are facing a really severe pathology that causes meningitis and blood infections because, even with treatment, 15% of patients die. Anyone can be a victim of this clinical picture, butthe vaccine is recommended especially to young people and children. Two doses are needed to acquire immunity.
9. MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine is multipurpose because itprotects against measles, mumps and rubella. More than 95% of children who receive it are immunized against these 3 diseases for the rest of their lives, which is why it is recommended in all cases in which the infant does not have allergic reactions to it or is receiving chemotherapy. It is given in two doses, one between 12 and 15 months and one between 4 and 6 years.
10. Pneumococcal vaccine (conjugate and polysaccharide)
Pneumococcal disease refers to any pathology caused by pneumococcus-type bacteria. These can lead to pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and, in the worst cases, meningitis and bacteremia. Although we are facing two different types of vaccines, we include them in a single category because their purpose is the same. It is recommended for anyone 65 years of age or older or anyoneover the age of 2 with certain medical conditions that weaken their immune system.
11. Polio vaccine
The polio vaccine is a successful example that should convince all skeptics that vaccines are indeed useful. Cases of disease caused by wild poliovirushave decreased from an estimated 350,000 in 1988 to 33 reported in 2018, or more than 99%. Thanks to this global intervention, polio has been completely and completely eliminated in many regions. This vaccine is given in 4 doses and is considered in all cases during childhood. Protection is for life.
12. Rotavirus vaccine
Rotavirus causes diarrhea, being the main pathogen causing diarrheal diseases. It is especially serious in infants and young children, as dehydration can lead to complications. It is usually given in 2 doses in infants.
13. Shingles vaccine
This vaccine prevents herpes zoster infection, also known as shingles by the general population. About 10% – 18% of people who suffer from this unpleasant rash may develop postherpetic neuralgia, that is, a debilitating pain of nervous origin that can be very detrimental to the patient. Therefore, vaccination against this disease is recommended, especially in adults over 65 years of age. It is given in a single dose.
14. Tetanus vaccine
Tetanus is an inactivated vaccine (it is not a live vaccine) and contains the toxin (inactivated, of course) manufactured by the bacteria that cause tetanus, which is usually present in oxidized materials, which enters the patient’s body through wounds. Its application is recommended to all children.
15. Rabies vaccine
The rabies vaccine is applied to people who have a high probability of becoming infected with the rabies virus, a pathogen that generates a very serious clinical picture in the patient. Only 55 cases have been diagnosed in humans since 1990 in the United States, but in people who handle wild mammals assiduously, prevention is better than cure. Its application consists of 3 doses and is only contemplated in specific cases.
Summary
As you can see, the world of vaccines is extensive and almost unfathomable. The human being advances in the field of medicine, a fact that allows us to leave behind some pathologies that were previously considered serious.
Getting vaccinated is not just an option, but a moral obligation as acitizen if you are healthy and possible. If you are vaccinated against any infectious disease, you indirectly protect all people who cannot be immunized for health reasons.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.