There has been a lot of discussion about vaccines causing developmental disorders like autism in children. Truth is, however, that there has not been any conclusive proof linking any vaccine to any such issues. For a quick understanding of what vaccines do, and the role of vaccinations in children and adults, read on. 
What’s a vaccine? A vaccine is a product that produces immunity to prevent a disease. Vaccines can be administered through injections, or given orally. What’s a vaccination? A vaccination is the injection or oral administration of a killed or weakened microorganism that will give the person receiving the vaccine a long-term protection or immunity against that microorganism. What’s an immunisation? An immunisation is the process by which a person will generate immunity and becomes protected from a disease. Vaccines result in immunization.
Do only children need vaccinations? While children should receive HBV ( Hepatitis B vaccine) and BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccine for tuberculosis) at birth, along with DTaP (Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine), Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b vaccine), IPV (Inactivated poliovirus vaccine) and PCV (Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines) until they are about eighteen months old, there are many vaccinations for adults. Why do adults need vaccinations?
Immunity to some diseases can fade over time, which is the main reason adults need to be re-vaccinated. There are now some very effective vaccines that adults can take to protect themselves from new strains of viruses and bacteria.
What are some adult vaccinations? Some of the common vaccinations taken by adults include the flu (influenza), Human papilloma virus (HPV), Varicella (chicken pox), Herpes Zoster (shingles), Pneumococcal, Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, Typhoid and Meningococcal vaccines. 
Why do some countries require vaccinations in visitor visa applications? Vaccines protect travellers against a number of serious diseases, specifically typhoid and yellow fever, in some developing countries. Apart from the health risk to the traveller, a non-vaccinated person may bring back diseases which are rare to their home countries, causing outbreaks. For example, vaccine-preventable diseases that are rare in Malaysia, such as yellow fever, can still be found in other parts of the world. Another example of mandatory travel vaccination can be found in Saudi Arabia; the country requires proof of the vaccination for meningococcal meningitis for visitors arriving for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. What travel vaccinations are available in Malaysia? Japanese encephalitis vaccine is a vaccine that protects against Japanese encephalitis (JE). JE is a viral brain infection spread through mosquito bites. The Meningitis ACWY vaccine protects against four different causes of meningitis and septicaemia. Yellow fever vaccine is required for travellers to Africa and South America. Yellow fever can be life-threatening, with symptoms ranging from jaundice to bleeding from the eyes, nose and mouth. When should travel vaccinations be taken?
Depending on the vaccine, you may need to see your doctor at least eight weeks before you leave for your destination. Some vaccinations need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity. Some also involve multiple doses spread over several weeks.
This article is brought to you by IMU Healthcare.
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