Immunization: Shielding the World from Preventable Diseases

 

Introduction
Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions in human history. It has saved millions of lives by preventing diseases that once caused widespread illness and death. From smallpox to measles, immunization has helped reshape global health outcomes. Yet, vaccine hesitancy and access gaps remain critical challenges, especially in developing countries like Nigeria.

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What is Immunization?

Immunization is the process by which a person becomes protected against a disease through the administration of a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and fight pathogens such as viruses or bacteria without causing the disease itself.

There are two main types of immunization:

• Active Immunization: Involves administering a vaccine to stimulate the immune system to produce its own protection.

• Passive Immunization: Involves giving a person antibodies directly, often used in emergencies or when immediate protection is needed.

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How Do Vaccines Work?

Vaccines contain weakened or inactive parts of a pathogen (antigen) that trigger the immune system to respond. Once exposed, the immune system "remembers" how to fight the disease if exposed again in the future.

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Scientific Impact of Immunization

Vaccination prevents 3.5 to 5 million deaths annually worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The eradication of smallpox and the dramatic reduction in polio cases globally are proof of vaccine success.

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Global Perspective: Achievements and Gaps

Achievements

• Eradication of smallpox (1980).

• Over 99% reduction in polio cases since 1988.

• Substantial decrease in child mortality from diseases like measles and pneumonia.

Challenges

• Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.

• Uneven vaccine access during pandemics like COVID-19.

• Infrastructure and cold-chain limitations in rural or conflict-prone regions.

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Immunization in Nigeria: Progress and Problems

Nigeria has made commendable progress:

• Polio-free certification in 2020.

• Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) covers major childhood diseases: tuberculosis, tetanus, hepatitis B, measles, yellow fever, and more.

• Coverage Gaps: Insecurity, poor infrastructure, and myths continue to limit uptake, especially in northern and remote regions.

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How Can People Get Immunized?

1. Public Health Facilities
Vaccines are available free of charge at most government primary health care centers. These facilities run routine immunization schedules, especially for infants and pregnant women.

2. Private Hospitals and Clinics
Some private hospitals offer immunization services for a fee, especially for newer or travel-related vaccines (like HPV or COVID-19 boosters).

3. Special Campaigns
National campaigns (e.g., for measles, yellow fever, or COVID-19) are run regularly. These may be door-to-door or hosted at schools, markets, and community centers.

4. International Travel Clinics
Travelers can get yellow fever and meningitis vaccines at approved centers before traveling.

What You Need:

• Immunization card (for children).

• National ID or birth certificate may be required in some centers.

• For adults, a simple health consultation often precedes the shot.

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Vaccines by Age Group

Infants and Children (0–5 years)

• BCG (tuberculosis)

• Hepatitis B

• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)

• Pentavalent vaccine (DPT-HepB-Hib)

• Measles

• Yellow Fever

• Meningitis A

Adolescents

• Tetanus-diphtheria booster

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – especially for girls aged 9–14

• Meningococcal vaccine (for some regions or travelers)

Adults

• COVID-19 (and boosters)

• Influenza (yearly, especially for high-risk groups)

• Hepatitis B (if not vaccinated earlier)

• Tetanus booster every 10 years

Pregnant Women

• Tetanus toxoid

• COVID-19 vaccine (as recommended)

• Influenza (during flu season)

Elderly (65+)

• Pneumococcal vaccine

• Shingles vaccine

• Annual flu vaccine

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Debunking Common Myths About Immunization

Myth 1: Vaccines cause the disease they are supposed to prevent.
Fact: Vaccines use killed or weakened pathogens that cannot cause the disease. Any mild symptoms (like fever) are signs the body is building immunity.

Myth 2: Children receive too many vaccines at once.
Fact: Children's immune systems handle far more exposure daily. Vaccine schedules are carefully designed for safety and effectiveness.

Myth 3: Natural immunity is better than vaccine-induced immunity.
Fact: Natural infection can be dangerous or deadly (e.g., measles, polio). Vaccines provide protection without the risk of severe illness.

Myth 4: Vaccines contain harmful substances.
Fact: All ingredients in vaccines are present in very small, safe amounts and are approved by global health authorities.

Myth 5: Immunization is unnecessary if diseases are rare.
Fact: Vaccines keep diseases rare. When coverage drops, outbreaks occur — as seen with measles in Europe and the U.S. in recent years.

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Why Immunization Matters for Everyone

• Herd Immunity: Protects the vulnerable (babies, elderly, immunocompromised).

• Reduces Healthcare Costs: Prevention is cheaper than treatment.

• Supports Development: A healthy population boosts education, productivity, and economic growth.

• Preparedness: Helps build systems for quick response to emerging health threats.

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Conclusion

Immunization is a simple, powerful tool that saves lives and strengthens communities. While Nigeria and the world have made great strides, the mission is far from over. Awareness, accessibility, and trust-building remain essential. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, community leader, or policymaker — you have a role in ensuring every person is protected through vaccines.

Let’s continue to fight preventable diseases, one vaccine at a time.

• World Health Organization (2023). Immunization: Key Facts.

• NPHCDA, Nigeria. Routine Immunization Schedule.

• Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (2023). Why Vaccines Matter.

• UNICEF Nigeria (2023). Immunization Coverage Reports.

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