Immunization: why is it essential to get vaccinated?

In an ever-changing world where health threats are diverse, immunization remains one of the most powerful weapons we have. It is an act of individual protection, but also a pillar of public health. At Elytis Hospitalwe believe that an informed community is a healthy community. That is why we created this article to clarify the importance of vaccination and answer the most frequently asked questions.

What are vaccines and how do they work?

Vaccines are biological preparations that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, providing protection against a specific infectious disease.

They contain weakened or inactive versions of the pathogen (virus or bacteria) or fragments of it.

When a person is vaccinated, the body recognizes the pathogen and develops an 'immunological memory'. Thus, on subsequent exposure to the actual pathogen, the immune system reacts quickly and effectively, preventing or mitigating disease.

Why is it important to get vaccinated?

1. Individual protection: immunization protects you from serious diseases that can have severe or even fatal complications.
2. Protecting those around you: Through immunization, help create herd immunity, protecting vulnerable people who cannot be vaccinated (young children, people with weakened immune systems).
3. Prevent epidemics: Mass immunization has significantly reduced the incidence of infectious diseases such as polio, measles and diphtheria.
4. Cut healthcare costs: Preventing diseases through vaccination is much more effective and less costly than treating them.

Benefits of vaccination

• Safety: Vaccines undergo rigorous testing before being approved for use.
• Effectiveness: Vaccines are highly effective in preventing infectious diseases.
• Durability: Immunity conferred by vaccination can last for years or even a lifetime.

Vaccine safety

Adverse reactions to vaccines are rare and usually mild (fever, soreness at the injection site). The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the potential risks.

It's important to talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions about vaccination. At Elytisour family doctors are ready to give you all the necessary information and guide you through the vaccination process.

Vaccination scheme

It is essential to follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your doctor. This includes vaccines for children, adolescents and adults.

Timely immunization ensures optimal protection against infectious diseases. At Elytis, we offer vaccination services for all age groups, including vaccines from the national immunization schedule.

Myths and facts about vaccination

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about vaccination that can be misleading and lead to wrong decisions.

It is important to get information from reliable and credible sources, such as scientific studies and recommendations from international medical organizations. At Elytiswe provide you with accurate and up-to-date information about vaccination based on scientific evidence.

Family doctor's role in vaccination

Your family doctor is an important partner in the immunization process. They can provide you with personalized information, assess the risks and benefits of vaccination in your specific case and administer the necessary vaccines. At Elytisour family doctors are committed to your health and provide you with the support you need to make informed decisions about vaccination.

Personalized care at Elytis

Immunization is an act of responsibility for your own health and the health of those around you. It is an investment in the future, allowing us to live healthier and more protected lives. At Elytis Hospitalwe encourage you to get vaccinated and follow the recommended vaccination schedule.

Your health is our priority!

The Elytisour family doctors provide personalized care tailored to the needs of each patient. In addition to vaccinations, we offer consultations, regular check-ups, recommendations and prescriptions. At Elytisyou benefit from an integrated approach to health in a friendly and professional environment.

For more information about vaccination or our services, please contact us. Team Elytis team is ready to answer your questions and provide the necessary support.

Latest medical review:

22.02.2025, Dr. Ana-Maria Buftea - Primary Doctor

References:

• Ciabattini, Annalisa, et. al. "Vaccination in the elderly: The challenge of immune changes with aging". Seminars in Immunology, 2018, vol. 40, pg. 83 - 94.
• Hunter, Paul (PhD), et. al."Vaccination of Adults in General Medical Practice." Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2020, vol. 95, no. 1, pg. 169 - 183.
• Hussain, Azhar, et al. "The Anti-vaccination Movement: A Regression in Modern Medicine." Cureus, 2018, vol. 10, no. 7.
• Lin, Cheryl, et. al."Healthcare Providers' Vaccine Perceptions, Hesitancy, and Recommendation to Patients: A Systematic Review". Vaccines, 2021, vol. 9, no. 7.
• Schmidt, Ana Lucía, et. al."Polarization of the vaccination debate on Facebook". Vaccine, 2018, vol. 36, no. 25, pg. 3606 - 3612.
• Sheikh, Shazia, et. al."A report on the status of immunization in Europe". Vaccine, 2018, vol. 36, no. 33, pg. 4979 - 4992.
• Shen, Shixin (Cindy), Dubey, Vinita. "Addressing vaccine hesitancy. Clinical guidance for primary care physicians working with parents". The Official Journal of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, 2019, vol. 65, no. 3, pg. 175 - 181.
• Zimmermann, Petra, Curtis, Nigel. "Factors That Influence the Immune Response to Vaccination". Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 2019, vol. 32, no. 2.