What exactly is achieved by the practice of vaccination?
Vaccination is a simple, safe, and effective way of protecting adults and children against harmful diseases before the diseases are encountered. It uses the body’s natural defenses to build resistance to specific infections and makes your immune system stronger. Vaccines train your immune system to create antibodies, without the risk of having your immune system trained by exposure to the wild type of disease-producing infectious agent. Vaccines contain only killed or weakened forms of germs, like viruses or bacteria. In recent years, they contain an innovative technology that teaches your system to make proteins that help your body to fight infection. The is the mRNA vaccines. Vaccinations do not cause the disease or put you at risk of complications.
Can we trust the widespread use of vaccinations, especially for young children?
Yes, we can. In Akai Pediatrics, active immunization against many childhood illnesses is highly recommended as a very safe and effective way of protecting children from infectious diseases. Vaccines can help fight against these diseases that not only have the potential to cause severe disability but can also lead to untimely deaths.
The development of vaccines initially requires collaboration between academia and industry. In the later stages of development, it will involve the pharmaceutical industries.
The product goes through the very rigorous testing required by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Initial testing involves rodents or non-human primates. If the outcome proves promising, then permission is sought from the FDA to initiate testing involving humans.
All human clinical trials must comply with the requirement for all phases of the trial to be conducted under Good Clinical Practice regulations established by the FDA, as well as adhere to strict ethical principles.
Trials are started first on a small scale and later expanded to involve more study participants. In every stage, safety is the first and most crucial factor that determines the clinical trial’s continuation. The safety and human rights of study participants are strictly enforced in every stage of the study.
Safety and efficacy continue to be monitored even after FDA approval and can result in a withdrawal of the vaccine at any stage if unacceptable adverse reactions occur.
Lastly, all vaccines, even those manufactured exclusively for children, must first be tested on adults before clinical trials can be initiated in children.
In public health emergencies related to epidemics or pandemics, vaccine refusal, hesitancy, or complacency is not really a personal decision but a community effort. In this instance, we are called upon to be our brother’s keeper to the extent that we create a healthy and safe environment for the many medically fragile people in our sphere.
How Often Are Vaccinations Given?
There are several vaccinations authorized for use at this time for children. These vaccinations chiefly target childhood infections that are a threat to life or that may cause severe disability.The frequency of administration is usually determined from the result of rigorous research and review by federally appointed organization to assure that the vaccines are safe and effective. The recommendations once published, provide the guidelines to be followed for successful immunization against multiple infectious diseases.Questions and concerns regarding the practice of vaccinations are welcomed in our medical home. The express wishes of the parents are respected once appropriate information has been provided and informed consent obtained.
Time to Visit the Doctor for Immunizations
There are a series of immunizations deemed necessary by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices; ACIP to the health of the growing child. Their recommendations are supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics and usually followed by the pediatricians in the effort to provide a healthy start in life for the pediatric patient. In Akai Comprehensive Pediatrics, we agree with these recommendations as they are evidence based and very profitable to securing the optimal health of our patients. Contact us today!