As an adult, you may think you are done with your share of unpleasant experience of having ‘shots’ (vaccinations). If you are living in Pakistan, think again. In the last 12 months, more than 300 cases of polio, affecting not only children, but teenagers as well, were reported across Pakistan, flagging the country as one of the few where the crippling disease remains active (WHO Report, 2014). As a result, people travelling abroad had to be vaccinated for polio and obtain a dated certificate ad required travel document.
The issue is not limit to Pakistan alone. Recently, a measles scare was witnessed in California. No wonder then, physicians are increasingly recommending the shingles vaccine for recent flyers, the shingles vaccine for frequent flyers, particularly if they are planning to go for Umrah or Hajj , where people from across the world – who may be unknown carriers or victims of communicable diseases – are in hysical proximity.
Until a few months ago, it was believed that getting vaccinated once was sufficient to keep you protected from certain diseases such as cholera and diphtheria, but research has revealed that certain viruses can be reactivated years after you have been vaccinated, which mean that you need a ‘booster vaccine’.
The chicken pox virus for example, never entirely goes away; when you are stressed the virus may come out of hibernation and painful sores to appear. In this care, prevention in the form of a booster vaccine is not only better, but simpler and pain-free, rather than enduring the consequence of full-blown chicken pox, and if you are not, s/he will recommend a second vaccination.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also recommends an annual flu vaccination for anyone older than six months. N.B: Vaccines may cause rare allergic reaction; consult your physician before getting one.
By Dr, Samia K.Babar. The writer is Director, Health Awareness Society.