Vaccines — we’ve heard about them a lot this year. But what are they, how do they work and why should you consider getting them?
Believe it or not, the first successful vaccine was developed 225 years ago. In 1796, Edward Jenner developed the smallpox vaccine, eventually leading to the eradication of this disease, which caused up to 300 million deaths during the 20th century. Since then, vaccines have been developed to prevent many diseases that used to be common, including chickenpox, measles, polio and tetanus. Before vaccines, exposure to many diseases could result in you or a loved one becoming seriously ill, disabled or even dying from what is now a preventable disease.
The majority of vaccines contain dead or weakened virus to trigger a response from our immune system to start developing antibodies — the proteins that fight infections like viruses. Antibodies give our bodies an advantage in protecting us against future exposure to the same virus, which can significantly reduce the impact of illness or prevent us from getting sick in the first place. So, you gain the protection without getting the infection!
In addition to protecting yourself, getting vaccinated helps protect those around you who might not be able to get all the vaccines they need to defend themselves against disease, including young children. By getting vaccinated, you reduce the likelihood of spreading dangerous diseases to others, helping some of the most vulnerable in our communities.
Like medications, vaccines come with the potential for side effects. The most common side effects include reactions, such as pain or redness at the injection site, mild fever, headache and chills. These side effects are typically mild and shouldn’t last beyond a few days. They’re also a sign your body is beginning to build protection against the disease. Serious side effects are rare.
And while 225 years have passed since the first vaccine was developed, research shows that the best way to protect yourself and those around you against many preventable diseases is through vaccination.
Sources: cdc.gov, fda.gov, hhs.gov, who.int
Did you know you can get many of the vaccines you and your family need right at your local Publix Pharmacy?
Our pharmacies currently offer vaccines for COVID-19, flu, pneumonia, tetanus and more. And, if you’re enrolled in Publix’s BCBS PPO Plan, preventive vaccines are covered 100%.
Stop by your Publix Pharmacy or visit the Publix Vaccines page to learn more or to schedule your appointment!
