Infectious Diseases and Vaccination Strategies

Introduction:

Infectious diseases contribute to global morbidity and mortality on a large scale. Even as medical and healthcare technologies advance, the threat posed by infectious agents is consistent. Vaccination strategies have been employed to combat these infectious diseases, which are the major reason behind the eradication of deadly infectious diseases like smallpox. Thus, adequate vaccination strategies are imperative in preventing infectious diseases that cause global public health issues.

What Are Vaccines?

Vaccines are biological vials containing inactive infectious agent (antigen) forms. They confer immunity to an individual by exposing them to the infectious agent. Once the antigen is in the body, it triggers the immunologic defense system to generate antibodies. In addition, vaccines are also responsible for the proliferation of memory cells in the body to remember the administered antigen. Altogether, active acquired immunity is endowed by an individual.

Why Is Vaccination Done for Infectious Diseases?

Vaccination against infectious diseases is conducted primarily to prevent illness, reduce the spread of diseases, and safeguard people and society from the adverse events of disease-causing pathogens. By introducing attenuated or deactivated versions of pathogenic agents (such as viruses or bacteria) into the body, vaccines trigger the immune system to recognize and build a defense against these pathogens without causing illness. Vaccination not only helps to shield vaccinated individuals from falling ill but also contributes to the concept of herd immunity, wherein a sufficiently immunized population prevents widespread transmission of diseases, protecting individuals who cannot get vaccinated due to several factors.

What Are the Infectious Diseases That Require Vaccination?

Some common infectious diseases for which vaccination is recommended include:

• Measles.

• Mumps.

• Rubella.

• Polio.

• Diphtheria.

• Tetanus.

• Whooping cough.

• Hepatitis A.

• Hepatitis B.

• Human papillomavirus.

What Are Vaccination Strategies?

Vaccination strategies refer to a group of methods formulated by medical professionals and central agencies to standardize the schedule of such vaccines. This is done to improve immunization against infectious diseases among the general public. Thus, the incidence, severity, morbidity, and mortality rates due to infectious agents are well under control.

Some common vaccination strategies employed are:

1. A routine vaccination schedule is used. This ensures the administration of vaccines right after birth and follows a predetermined schedule. Some common examples are hepatitis B vaccination soon after birth, DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) vaccine during the second month, or vaccination against Rotavirus in the second to third month. The main objective behind scheduling the immunization process is to provide immunity to a child at the right stages of the baby’s growth.

2. The government employs mass vaccination campaigns to create awareness and immunize a larger group or community. This is commonly noticed when there is an epidemic or a pandemic. One such example is the vaccination against the Polio virus. Such campaigns have the advantage of immunizing a large group, including people of all socioeconomic statuses.

3. Targeted vaccination is another strategy utilized to vaccinate individuals against a particular infectious disease that is prevalent in the surroundings or community. It is also done for people who are at high risk of developing an infectious disease. For example, doctors and medical professionals are vaccinated for Hepatitis B as a prophylactic method.

4. Ring vaccination strategy involves vaccinating individuals near an infected person to create a protective "ring" around the outbreak, thereby preventing further spread of the disease. This approach is often used to control disease outbreaks like Ebola or smallpox.

5. The catch-up vaccination strategy involves the administration of missed vaccines in the vaccination schedule.

6. The key to these vaccination strategies' success is educating the public. Inculcating knowledge about vaccines among the public, creating awareness, and organizing vaccination campaigns help immunize individuals before being affected by an infectious disease.

What Are the Recent Advances in Vaccination Strategies?

Traditional vaccines have evolved significantly in the last decade. Progress in vaccine technology has resulted in the creation of innovative approaches such as mRNA vaccines, viral vector vaccines, and recombinant vaccines. These innovative technologies offer new vaccine development, production, and efficacy opportunities against various diseases. One classic example of such advances is the recent COVID-19 infection, where the development of mRNA vaccines was made possible and successful.

What Are the Challenges in Implementing Vaccination Strategies?

• Due to mistrust or cultural beliefs, individuals may refuse to vaccinate themselves. Some people may have been misled by wrong information. This can be corrected by establishing effective communication with people through simple talks or group campaigns. Social media can be a great platform to achieve this as the reach is wider.

• Disparities in economic status, social barriers, and geographic location can make some people unable to access the benefits of immunization. For such individuals, mass vaccination programs can be helpful.

• During outbreaks, epidemics, or pandemics, mobilizing vaccines to all people may not be possible, as vaccination programs require robust planning and execution. Swift delivery of vaccines to a community will be difficult in such cases.

• Production of vaccines may be inadequate or inconsistent to meet the demands of a community.

• Maintaining cold chain storage, transportation, and distribution of vaccines in remote or resource-limited areas poses logistical challenges. Insufficient healthcare infrastructure can impede vaccine delivery, storage, and administration.

• Healthcare systems in some areas may need to be stronger and contribute to the community's immunization due to a lack of funding, proper hierarchy, advisors, or management. In such areas, the distribution of vaccines may not be equal.

The future of vaccination strategies encompasses addressing these challenges while continuing to innovate and adapt to emerging infectious threats. Enhancing public health communication to combat misinformation, fostering trust in vaccines through education, and strengthening healthcare infrastructures globally are crucial steps toward achieving equitable vaccine coverage.

Conclusion:

The significance of vaccination strategies in combating infectious diseases cannot be overstated. These measures have preserved countless lives and remain essential in the ongoing battle against infectious threats. Continued investment in research, education, and equitable vaccine distribution is imperative to protect global health and reduce the havoc caused by communication diseases in society.