Vaccinations - Research Paper Example

Vaccinations Vaccinations • Why do vaccinations, such as the flu shot, not provide protection to a person for his or her entire lifetime?Vaccination refers to the administration of antigens aimed at stimulating the immune system of an individual against diseases. In other words, vaccination boosts the body’s immune system. Through vaccination, the body builds an immune response to pathogens. A vaccine therefore enables the body to detect pathogens and buid antibodies to fight against them.

However, the protection does not last a life-time. Whilst vaccines accelerate the release of antibodies to fight the pathogens, their effect in the body is short lived, as with time, the pathogens learn how to overcome the antibodies. Also, disease-causing bacteria and viruses usually occur in different forms referred to as different strains (Miller, 2008). In most cases, vaccines are designed to handle certain strains. For instance most flu shots available presently are designed to work against the common strains of flu virus which has been in existence for quite a while.

Thus, such vaccine cannot prevent against new strains of flu. This explains why vaccines do not give a lifetime protection against diseases.• Why does a person need another shot?As explained above, vaccines are usually designed to work against certain strains. Yet, every now and then, new strains emerge which are often stronger than the previous ones. This therefore renders the incumbent vaccination ineffective. Usually, vaccines do not guarantee full protection from a disease. Their strength fizzles out with time.

Thus, one has to have another shot of vaccine so as to continue strengthening their immune system.• What is the purpose of extensive education for health care workers for any or all the new emerging diseases, such as SARS?Health care workers should be subjected to regular and extensive training so as to acquaint them with the new occurrences with regards to diseases. This enables them to keep abreast with the new strains that emerge. Such information is important as it enables the m to update their vaccines so as to stay effective.

• How does the extensive knowledge help them deal with outbreaks?Equipped with knowledge about the new merging diseases, health workers get to know what to use and when to use so as to guarantee effectiveness in the fight against outbreaks. As stated, new strains of disease-causing bacteria and viruses develop from time to time. Regular training and updating of information regarding such strains is essential l as it enables the health workers to discard old vaccines that have been rendered obsolete, and develop new effective ones.

This enhances effectiveness of vaccines and accelerates the fight against various outbreaks.ReferencesMiller, N. Z. (2008). Vaccines: Are they really safe and effective. (Revised ed., pp. 35-38). Santa Fe: New Atlantean Press.