Vaccines: What They Are and How They Work
Over 114 million Americans have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Protecting us against disease, modern science helps to prevent the spread of deadly illnesses. But, how do they actually work? In today’s blog, we’ll talk about the different types of vaccines, how they function, and why it’s important to get inoculated.
What is a Vaccine?
A vaccine is a combination of substances that contain an agent which encourages the body to produce antibodies. Known also as immunity, this injection helped to eradicate smallpox and rinderpest, and restricted the spread of diseases like polio, measles, and tetanus. In fact, the World Health Organisation reports that there are currently presventions against twenty-five different infections.
The First Vaccine
Occurring last in October 1977, smallpox was a disease the included fever, vomiting, and a skin rash. Its origin is unknown, however the earliest evidence of its existence dates back to Egyptian mummies.
In 1796, British doctor Edward Jenner discovered that those who had been infected by cowpox where immune to smallpox. Serving as a natural vaccine, the former disease was used until the emergence of a modern immunisation in the 19th century.
Its Name
It is because of cowpox that vaccines get their name. Coming from the latin for cow, this first type of inoculation is immortalised forever.
How do They Work?
Encountering thousands of germs daily, our immune system can fight most of them on our own. Vaccines help us to fight the disease-causing ones that can overwhelm the body. By familiarising the system with the virus, the body creates antibodies which defend it from harmful invader. Therefore, protecting us if we come across the real disease out and about.
There are currently several types in use, each representing different strategies which can be used to fight disease.
- a weakened form of the virus
- an inactive form of the virus
- certain parts of the virus, such as its proteins
- a weak toxin made of the virus
They also contain ingredients such as:
- adjuvants which help boost your body’s immune response
- stabilisers which keep the active ingredients working
Two of the COVID-19 vaccines in the US use mRNA. This new type of vaccine teaches our cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. Therefore, no weakened or inactive form of the virus has to be injected. mRNA is a molecule used naturally in our bodies to transport instructions from our DNA to relevant cells. What’s more, it is very easy to replicate of a larger scale. Resulting in more quantities of a vaccine that is ready to distribute.
What to Keep in Mind Once You’re Vaccinated
If you’re 12+ years of age, you’re eligible to receive on of the 3 COVID vaccines currently available in the US. Here’s what to keep in mind when you get the shot:
- Remember to wait the full time before you are fully inoculated. For modern and pfizer, that’s 2 weeks after your second shot.
- Continue to wear a mask to help protect those who are unable to get jabbed. Listen to the CDC about all safety guidelines and updates.
- Encourage those who are able to receive the vaccine to get it. Doing so will help in the US’s mission to reach herd immunity.
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