WHAT ARE VACCINES AND HOW DO THEY WORK Vaccines have become an essential component in childcare.

Many parents fully understand the need for vaccination of their children, but remain confused about what vaccines actually do. Sadly, some negative media propaganda carried out by unaware persons has created doubts about the very need of vaccines. This article will try to dispel some of the myths by discussing what vaccines are. The word vaccine is derived from the first vaccine ever developed by its founder Edward Jenner in 1796. This first vaccine was the cow pox vaccine used to prevent small pox infections. In simplest terms, the vaccines are an introduction of a very mild form of infection similar to the major infection in such small doses that the body is able to defend itself successfully from it. This initial training is like training the army for an attack. The army is ready so that when the actual invasion attempt takes place, the army is fully prepared to tackle it. Vaccines help prepare the bodys army or the white blood cells. These white blood cells have special proteins which act as memory codes. These memory codes remember the encounter, so that when the actual attack takes place, the WBCs are easily able to resist and defeat the infection. During the 19th and 20th century, many illnesses were major killers of children. These included diphtheria, whooping cough or pertussis, measles, mumps, yellow fever, small pox and German measles or rubella respectively. Currently there are two major classes of vaccines. One class is preventive in nature, which include many of the childrens vaccines. Others are targeted towards certain illnesses such as cancer. In any case, the vaccine attempts to create a stronger defence system of the body. Before a vaccine is approved for general medical practice, it undergoes a stringent process of safety testing. However, doctors do inform patients about the possible side effects which resolve within a few days. The vaccination schedule is also a very tried and tested method based on the time frames when children are most likely to get a particular infection, which can lead to death. These time frames must be followed judiciously, as a delay in one vaccine causes further delays in others, leading to a higher risk of exposure to different life threatening illnesses. Parents are advised to keep in close touch with the paediatrician about vaccine doses and the diseases for which they are intended. Most paediatricians for record keeping keep vaccination cards. It is advisable to bring that vaccination card on every visit. Keeping copies of the vaccination card can also help in maintaining record even if the original is lost. Finally, taking the vaccination card during travelling is another essential requirement, both for the health safety of the child and certain international requirements related to travelling with small children. REFERENCES What are Vaccines? NewsMedical. Site last accessed on February 2nd, 2013 from http://www.newsmedical.net/health/What-are-Vaccines.aspx What are Vaccines and How Do They Work? B2 Revision. Site last accessed on February 2nd, 2013 from

http://www.kscience.co.uk/revision/B2_revision_exe/what_are_vaccines_and_how_do_they_work. html What is a Vaccination and How Does It Work? Public Health Agency of Canada. Site last accessed on February 2nd, 2013 from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/vs-sv/vs-faq01-eng.php