The Importance of Lifetime Vaccinations

with Sylvia Meltzer, M.D., Family Practice, Advanced Healthcare

Posted: June 1, 2005

Vaccinations are one of the most significant advances made in medicine and are one of the best ways we have of preventing disease in our communities. They are designed to provide you with immunity to a disease before it has a chance to make you ill.

Dr. Sylvia Meltzer, a family practice physician for Advanced Healthcare, explained how immunity works:

“You become ill when your body is invaded by bacteria and viruses. One example is pertussis. When the pertussis bacteria enters your body it begins to multiply and then causes an infection called whooping cough, which can be quite serious.

Sylvia Meltzer, M.D., Family Practice, Advanced Healthcare "Usually we reimmunize adolescents with the tetanus vaccine. But throughout your lifetime you should continue to get immunized every 10 years or so."

“Your immune system recognizes the pertussis as an outsider and begins to make proteins called antibodies.”

Antibodies have two important functions. First, they help fight off infections that make you sick. But because these infections have had a head start, you’ll already be sick by the time your immune system has produced enough antibodies to fight them off and make you well again.

“Then the antibodies start doing their second vital function – providing you with immunity. They do this by remaining in your bloodstream and guarding you against future infections. That’s why most people contract diseases like measles or chickenpox only once, even though they might be exposed many times.”

Vaccines take advantage of the immune system by causing the development of antibodies before you get sick.

How are vaccines made?
Vaccines are made from the same bacteria and viruses, or parts of them, that cause disease. Measles vaccine, for example, is made from the measles virus. As another example, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine is made from parts of the Hib bacteria. But the germs in vaccines are either killed or weakened so they won’t make you sick.

Then the vaccines containing these weakened or killed germs are introduced into your body. Your immune system reacts to the vaccine by making antibodies, the same as it would if the disease was really invading it. The antibodies destroy the vaccine germs. Then they stay in your body, giving you immunity. Should you ever be exposed to the real disease, the antibodies present in your system will protect you.

“Most people are familiar with the routine childhood vaccines that their children get during their physical checkups – vaccines such as DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), polio, chickenpox and hepatitis B,” Dr. Meltzer said. “Vaccinations for routine child immunizations are usually given at two months, four months, six months, one year, and 15 months. And boosters are given at age four or five before a child enters kindergarten.”

But people aren’t necessarily aware of other vaccinations that are recommended, as children grow older and throughout their lifetime, she explained.

Vaccines for teens and adults
According to Dr. Meltzer, a new meningitis vaccine is now available. “In the past we recommended a meningitis shot for college freshmen living in dorms. With the new vaccine we are now recommending it for all adolescents beginning at age 11 through age 14.” That’s when there’s a peak of meningitis, which can be fatal. The new vaccine should help reduce that illness.

“Tetanus causes an infection we used to call lockjaw. Usually we reimmunize adolescents with the tetanus vaccine. But throughout your lifetime you should continue to get immunized every 10 years or so. A lot of people aren’t aware of that fact,” she said.

Dr. Meltzer happily notes that we now have an adequate supply of the flu vaccine that was in short supply a while ago. “Obviously, influenza can be a serious illness that can kill people, especially the elderly or those with other medical problems. People most at risk are those 65 and older, those with chronic medical conditions, and young children. Many other people benefit from yearly flu shots as well.

“People aren’t necessarily aware that there is a vaccine for adults that prevents pneumonia,” she said. “That’s also recommended for everyone 65 or older and for people that have had lung disease or other chronic illnesses that cause decreased immunity.”

According to Dr. Meltzer, some fear is associated with possible side effects of vaccinations. “But the reality is, the vaccines we now have are incredibly safe.”

Sylvia Meltzer, M.D. - Family Practice
West Mequon Clinic
6425 W. Mequon Road
Mequon
262-242-0051

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