Vaccination

Vaccination in general medicine: Protecting your health

Vaccination is one of the most powerful tools to protect our health and prevent disease. In general medicine, vaccines play a crucial role in preventing infections and promoting overall well-being. Whether you are a young adult, a parent, or an elderly person, it is important to understand the importance of vaccines and how they can help you stay healthy. Your Medento Health Center guides you through the essential aspects of vaccination in general medicine and answers some of the most common questions.

Why is vaccination essential?

Vaccination helps prevent potentially serious and contagious diseases by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. Here's why it's so important:

Disease prevention

Vaccines protect against serious infectious diseases such as influenza, measles, and pneumonia, reducing the risk of severe complications and hospitalization.

Collective protection

Increasing the vaccination rate in the community creates “herd immunity” that helps protect people who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants or people who are immunocompromised.

Reduced health care costs

By preventing disease, vaccines reduce the need for medical treatment, which decreases overall costs for individuals and health systems.

The different types of vaccines

In general medicine, several types of vaccines are administered to protect against various diseases:

Inactivated vaccines

Contain pathogens that have been killed or inactivated, such as the polio vaccine.

Live attenuated vaccines

Contain live but weakened pathogens, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Subunit vaccines

Contain specific parts of the pathogen, such as the hepatitis B vaccine or the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine.

The Vaccination Schedule

The vaccination schedule may vary depending on age, medical history, and local recommendations, but it generally includes:

Infant vaccines

Administered to infants and young children to protect them against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, and measles.

Vaccines for adolescents

Often include booster vaccines and additional vaccines such as those against human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and meningitis.

Vaccines for adults

Vaccination continues throughout life with boosters for basic vaccines and specific vaccines such as those against influenza and shingles.

Vaccines for the elderly

Vaccines against influenza, pneumonia, and shingles are especially recommended for the elderly.

How do I prepare for a vaccination?

Here are some tips to prepare for a vaccination in a general medical consultation:

Consult your doctor

Discuss your vaccination history and any current health conditions with your doctor. This will help determine which vaccines are recommended for you.

Check your vaccination record

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date by checking your vaccination record or medical records.

Ask questions

If you have concerns or questions about vaccine side effects, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.

Plan follow-ups

Some vaccinations require booster doses or follow-up to ensure continued protection.

The side effects of vaccines

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In summary:

Vaccination is a cornerstone of preventive medicine and plays a crucial role in protecting your health and that of your community. By seeing your GP regularly to ensure that your vaccinations are up to date, you are taking a proactive step to prevent illness and contribute to public health. Whether you are a young adult, a parent, or an elderly person, it is important to discuss your vaccination needs with your doctor and to stay up to date with current recommendations.

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