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Blue Mountain Eagle
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
AUGUST 2018
Vaccines 101
When germs, such as bacteria or viruses, invade the body, they attack and
multiply. This invasion is called an infection, and the infection is what causes
illness. The immune system then has to fight the infection. Once it fights off
the infection, the body has a supply of cells that help recognize and fight
that disease in the future. These supplies of cells are called antibodies.
Vaccines help develop immunity by imitating an infection, but this
“imitation” infection does not cause illness. Instead it causes the immune
system to develop the same response as it does to a real infection so the
body can recognize and fight the vaccine-preventable disease in the future.
Sometimes, after getting a vaccine, the imitation infection can cause minor
symptoms, such as fever. Such minor symptoms are normal and should be
expected as the body builds immunity.
Immunizations are an excellent way to protect yourself and your family
against many diseases.
Many people think that shots are only for babies. Actually, there are millions
of people between the ages of 11-19 who are at risk of getting serious
diseases like tetanus, meningitis, chickenpox, infections leading to cervical
cancer, and others.
The widespread implementation of childhood vaccination programs has
substantially reduced the occurrence of many vaccine-preventable diseases.
However, adults may be at risk for these diseases and their complications if
they escaped natural infection or have not been vaccinated against
diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox) and
poliomyelitis. A systematic approach to vaccination is necessary to ensure
that every adult is appropriately protected against vaccine-preventable
diseases.
Shots are required by law for children in attendance at public and private
schools, preschools, child care facilities, and Head Start programs in Oregon.
If you wish to claim a non-medical exemption, visit the Oregon Health
Authority at www.oregon.gov website to find out how.
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