Are you protected?

Make sure that you keep track of which vaccinations you have had and when by keeping a note.

Vaccines are an important part of your preventive health care. Here's an overview of the ones you need and why you need them.

It may sound like something from a horror movie–bacteria and viruses are determined to get into your body and cause serious health problems. Fortunately, most are preventable…all you need is a quick and simple vaccine.

What is a vaccine?

To understand vaccines, you need to know how your body copes with bacteria and viruses. Once a germ gets into your body, it prompts the immune system–your body's natural defense–to produce "antibodies." These help to fight the invading germs.

In some cases, when you produce the antibodies, you become immune to further infection. In other words, once you have had the disease, you can no longer get it.

Vaccines work in a similar way. They disguise themselves as an invading germ and cause your body to produce antibodies. This makes you immune to the disease the vaccine is carrying (or pretending to carry!).

Usually, vaccines are an altered form of the germ you are being protected against. For example, the varicella vaccine is made from varicella (chickenpox). Don't worry–it can't harm you.

Are vaccines safe?

Yes–vaccines are safe and effective. As with any medication, however, there may be some side effects:

• Soreness or swelling where the shot was administered
• Fever
• Rash

Usually, the side effects are mild, and last a couple of days. Remember, there is much more danger from the diseases than the vaccines!

What vaccinations do I need?

There is a range of vaccines–some require only one dose, others need to be administered periodically (say, every 10 years).

Most of the vaccines are administered during your childhood. If you're not sure whether you have had the common childhood vaccines, your doctor can check your medical records. There are also a number of vaccines you need as an adult (see table).

What am I protecting myself from?

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis
Tetanus and diphtheria are serious bacterial diseases. Tetanus–known as lockjaw–enters the body through a wound or cut. It can cause the jaw to "lock," which means you can't open your mouth or swallow.

Diphtheria can cause a growth of membrane, which, in some cases, blocks air passages from the lungs. This can cause breathing problems.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a very contagious infection. It is a severe cough that can make it hard to breathe, eat or sleep.

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis are prevented by the Tdap vaccine. This is administered as one shot, every 10 years up to age 64. If you have not had your Tdap vaccine, you might need a series of three shots.

Measles, mumps and rubella
Measles, mumps and rubella are caused by a virus. Measles can cause a rash, cough and high fever. Mumps can cause painful swelling of the glands near the ears and cheeks. Rubella–known as German measles–can cause cold symptoms, such as a sore throat, and a rash and fever.

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is administered as one shot, often during your childhood.

Hepatitis A virus
Hepatitis A affects your liver. It's spread by food or water contaminated by an infected person, or contact with infected blood. Symptoms include loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, diarrhea and jaundice.

The vaccine is given in a series of two or three shots over a period of six months.

Hepatitis B virus
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) attacks and damages the liver. It's spread through contact with bodily fluids (for example, blood and semen). You experience similar symptoms to hepatitis A, as well as nausea and muscle aches.

When HBV has run its course, in most cases, you become immune and can no longer pass it on to someone else. However, for around 10-20% of people who are infected, the disease is chronic. It can lead to problems such as cirrhosis of the liver.

The vaccine for HBV is given in a series of three shots over a period of six months.

Varicella
Varicella–known as chickenpox–is an extremely contagious disease. You can catch it just being in the same room as an infected person! It can become quite serious in adults, especially pregnant women. Varicella causes an itchy rash which may spread over most of the body, including the mouth. The vaccine to protect against varicella is given in two doses.

Human papillomavirus infection
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of related viruses. Genital HPV can be passed from person to person through sexual contact. Some types of this virus are known to cause genital warts or cancer of the cervix. The vaccine protects against the four types that cause the most cases of genital warts and cervical cancer. It is given in three doses.

Influenza
Influenza–known as the flu–is a virus affecting the nose, throat and lungs. It's especially common during winter. The symptoms include high fever, chills, a dry cough, headache and muscle and joint pain. It can cause extreme fatigue, lasting for several days. A new flu vaccine is made each year because the virus is constantly changing. For this reason, you must get the vaccination annually for it to be effective.

Pneumococcal pneumonia
Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by bacteria which infect the lungs. The symptoms include high fever, cough, chest pain and shaking chills. The vaccine to protect against pneumococcal pneumonia is very effective; only one shot is needed.

Meningococcal
Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria which infect the fluid that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. It also can cause blood infections. The vaccine to protect against this disease is often given in one dose. However, in certain cases, two doses may be needed.

Finally…

Vaccines can help prevent serious health problems. Try to keep a record of the ones you have had, and, if you're not sure, your doctor can check your medical records. Remember, having the recommended vaccines is a quick and simple way to stay healthy.