Do vaccinations offer the needed protection from diseases?

Question

Hello doctor,

My son is 5 years old. I am concerned about the schedule of his vaccinations. I was vaccinated for measles in childhood, yet I got measles when I was 16 years old. So, what is the use of the measles vaccine? My son is scheduled for his MMR dose next week. Will the vaccine keep him safe? If vaccines cannot prevent diseases, then what is the need for these doses? Please advise me on these vaccinations, their schedules, and their needs.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi doctor,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce a response against specific pathogens (in this case, the measles virus). In some instances, an individual may still contract the disease despite having received the vaccine, which could be due to various factors such as the vaccine's effectiveness not being 100 percent, or the individual's immune system not responding adequately to the vaccine.

In your case, you were vaccinated for measles in childhood but contracted the disease at 16. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as the vaccine's effectiveness waning over time or your immune system not responding optimally to the vaccine. It is essential to understand that vaccines are not 100 % effective for everyone, but they significantly reduce the risk of contracting the disease and its severity.

For your son, the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine is crucial in protecting him from these three potentially severe diseases. The vaccine schedule is designed to provide optimal protection at various stages of a child's development. The MMR vaccine is usually given in two doses, with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose at four to six years of age. The need for vaccinations lies in their ability to create herd immunity, which occurs when a significant portion of the population becomes immune to a particular disease, either through vaccination or previous infection. This reduces the overall transmission of the disease, protecting vulnerable individuals who cannot receive vaccines due to medical reasons or age.

In summary, while vaccines may not offer 100 percent protection for everyone, they significantly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading infectious diseases. It is essential to follow your son's vaccination schedule, including the upcoming MMR dose, to ensure he is protected against measles, mumps, and rubella. If you have any further concerns, please consult your child's pediatrician for personalized advice.

I wish you good health.

Do revert in case of any further queries.

Thank you.