Immunization: Protecting Yourself and Your Family

We encounter germs every day and our bodies build natural immunity to many, but vaccines can help reduce the risk posed by many germs and diseases.

Having immunizations and making sure they are up to date not only helps protect your health but helps protect your family and friends. “Getting an infection is sort of like a game of chance, and that game is extended to family and friends who are being exposed to these infections,” says Steven Lilly, MD, MBA, Cooper Clinic Platinum Physician. By having your immunizations up to date, you are reducing the spread of infection while in contact with others. Getting proper immunizations is essential to protecting your community, friends and family. Vaccinations can help the body fight infections such as:

• Flu
• COVID-19
• Tetanus
• Shingles
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

When traveling abroad, some countries recommend additional vaccines not regularly administered in the United States. “Other parts of the world still have diseases that are now rare or eliminated in the U.S., and getting vaccinated can help protect vulnerable populations when you return,” says Mita Patel, PA, Physician Assistant at Cooper Clinic.

Importance of Getting Vaccinated and How Vaccines Work

“Vaccines are meant to stimulate the immune system, which leads the body to be ready for the next time it comes across the infection,” explains Dr. Lilly. Some vaccines can be administered by mouth or nasal spray, but the majority are given by injection into a muscle.

Once administered, the vaccine causes immune cells in the body to produce antibodies. Dr. Lilly explains, “cells are then trained and ready to recognize infections if they come into contact.” Vaccines typically take several weeks to become totally effective, allowing immune cells to learn, respond and produce antibodies. “It is a gradual process. You still have partial immunity in the first few days after receiving an immunization,” says Dr. Lilly.

Staying Up To Date

It’s easy to lose track of the vaccines you have taken and when. Dr. Lilly recommends meeting with your primary care physician to learn if you are missing vaccines or if you need booster shots.

Booster Shots

After time, some vaccines can become ineffective and booster shots are made to help strengthen the effectiveness of the original vaccine. A booster shot is an additional dose of the vaccine, and it helps increase the immune system response. “Viruses or infections can change over time. The original vaccine you may have had might not cut it anymore. That’s where new booster shots come in and strengthen the immune system,” explains Dr. Lilly. An example of a vaccine that requires a booster shot is Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap), which is recommended every 10 years.

Flu Shots

Influenza (flu) viruses are constantly adapting, which means flu shots must change every year to target circulating viral strains. Flu shots are developed and offered annually. COVID-19 has been similar in this way.

Immunization for Travel

When you’re planning a trip abroad, people usually begin by booking their hotels and building their itinerary. One step often forgotten from the planning process is checking to see which vaccinations are recommended for a given destination such as sub-Saharan Africa, South America and Southeast Asia. These and other parts of the world may have diseases that are relatively rare in the U.S. If exposed to these diseases, they can cause severe complications and increase the spread to fellow travelers and your community.

Patel shares some common vaccinations travelers receive before traveling abroad:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever

“Ideally it is recommended to get these vaccinations four to six weeks, at least two weeks, prior to travel to allow the vaccine to be fully effective,” says Patel. In addition, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) and/or polio boosters may be recommended along with the flu vaccine.

For information about which vaccinations are recommended by different countries, visit the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) or World Health Organization websites.

Stigma on Avoiding Immunization

One of the most common reasons people avoid getting vaccinations are side effects. Dr. Lilly explains, “in most cases, vaccines cause mild symptoms such as soreness and redness on the arm or where the vaccine was administered. Less commonly, people may feel fatigued or have a mild fever for a day or two.” While severe side effects can rarely occur, these are typically far outweighed by the potential benefits of vaccines recommended by your medical provider.

Another misconception is that immunizations only need to be administered at an early age. While it is beneficial to get the needed vaccinations at an early age as your immune system is developing, staying up to date as an adult and getting needed booster shots can help strengthen the immune system to fight off or prevent illnesses.

Find out if you’re missing any vaccinations or need any booster shots by reviewing your medical records and discussing with your primary care team.