Many people often think of vaccinations and immunizations as the same thing. In fact, vaccination and immunization have different meanings. The difference between vaccination and immunization is often overlooked because they both have the same goal, which is to increase the body's resistance to certain diseases.
Vaccination is the process of giving vaccines by injection or dripping into the mouth to increase the production of antibodies to ward off certain diseases. Meanwhile, immunization is a process in the body so that a person has immunity against a disease. Immunization is divided into active and passive immunization.
Vaccination is included in active immunization as an effort to trigger the body to secrete antibodies against certain diseases. In contrast to passive immunization, which means the body is given antibodies and not provoked to produce body resistance, for example immunoglobulin injections. Active immunization can last longer for the long term to a lifetime, while passive immunization only lasts a matter of weeks to months.
How Vaccines Work in the Body
In addition to understanding the difference between vaccination and immunization, it is important to understand how they work. Vaccines that are introduced into the body through vaccination, generally contain attenuated viruses or bacteria, as well as bacteria-like proteins obtained from development in the laboratory.
The content of the vaccine causes an immune reaction, which can prepare the body to fight infection attacks in the future. This process is an immunization process in the body.
The method of giving vaccines in immunization is different. There are a number of vaccines that are only given once for a lifetime and some need to be given periodically so that the immune system is fully formed. Although it is more often given to children through immunization at the puskesmas, the vaccine can actually be given to adults as a form of follow-up immunization, or with a different type.
Each country has its own rules regarding the obligation to carry out immunizations. In Indonesia, there are at least five mandatory vaccinations that must be given through immunization, namely hepatitis B, polio, BCG, DTP and measles vaccines. In addition to the mandatory vaccines, there are a number of vaccines recommended by the government, such as Hepatitis A vaccine, HPV, varicella, MMR, rotavirus, influenza, typhoid, and others.
Benefits of Immunization in Children
Until now, there are still many who argue about the need to immunize children. If explored further, children who receive complete basic immunization will be protected from dangerous diseases. Because, the immune system will increase after getting immunized. In addition, immunization also serves to prevent the transmission of a disease from a person to people around him.
To maximize the effect of immunization on children, try to always meet their nutritional needs, both through breastfeeding and healthy complementary foods. In addition, keep your body and environment clean so you don't get sick easily.
After understanding the difference between vaccination and immunization, try to always meet the immunization schedule. One study shows that immunization is proven to be able to provide human protection from attacks of various kinds of dangerous diseases. Consult further with your doctor, to get the appropriate recommendations.