The NEw Buzz Word - Vaccine
Vaccines are the hot topic after masks as the race to getting COVID-19 immunity is so crucial in getting the whole world back on its feet. Then again, it is crucial to understand what is a Vaccine, and why is it so important whether it be COVID-19 or just the regular flu.
If you are curious about current stages of various COVID-19 vaccines, check out the CBC vaccine tracker The website tracks each stage of Canadian and International vaccine in the making.
WHat is a Vaccine?
Vaccines contain the same germs that cause disease; however, they have been either killed or weakened to the point that they don’t make you sick. Some vaccines only have a part of the focused germ.
A vaccine stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies, exactly as if you were exposed to it. Think of it as a wanted list and that your body is on the lookout for it.
In a way, vaccines are a powerful medicine because they prevent the sickness from happening rather than curing it.
How Long does it take to make one
As you may have checked out the CBC vaccine tracker website, you might be wondering how long does this process take.
It takes many years and can be broken down into stages. This TED-ED video explains this clearly and concisely. You can watch the video here as well as other videos about health in our Smart Videos page.
Myths About Vaccines
It’s important to discredit chain emails and chain messages claiming various ill effects of vaccines and that there is some kitchen item or natural miracle item that is the best alternative that “makes doctors jealous”.
Here are some common myths about vaccines.
MYTH 1 - Vaccines causes Autism
This came from a study done in 1997 where the research claimed that measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine was increasing autism in children. This was far from the truth as the research did not practice the proper experimenting methods and violated many ethics regulations. The researcher lost their medical license and further proper studies were done and showed no link between the two.
Myth 2 - Vaccines contain Toxins
While it is true that some vaccines contain formaldehyde, mercury or aluminum, these are trace amounts which the body can take. Our body actually makes more formaldehyde when it metabolizes than what the vaccine would contain.
MYTH 3 - A child can actually get the disease from a vaccine.
A vaccine causing complete disease would be extremely unlikely. As we mentioned earlier, Vaccines are a dead or weakened version of the decease. Therefore our immune systems can identify it and be ready for when the real threat comes. In the Chickenpox vaccine, it can cause a child to develop a rash, but only with a few spots. This isn’t harmful and can show that the vaccine is working.
Vaccines are our fighting chance against diseases
Vaccines have definitely been helping us humans live longer because some of these diseases would have cut our life’s short because we were not prepared to face it head on.
So remember to be sure you are on top of your vaccinations!
Want to know more about flu shots or want general health help? Please book an appointment now with our team of specialists so we can help you become a healthier you!
