National Immunization Awareness Month

Precaution, a protecting shield from disease/ infection : Information about Vaccination and Cancer by UHAPO

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held in August. Its primary goal is to emphasize the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages. During this month, Uhapo works together to promote the benefits of immunization and to encourage people to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.

NIAM serves as a reminder that vaccines are a crucial tool in preventing serious and sometimes deadly diseases. Vaccinations not only protect individuals who receive them but also contribute to the overall health and safety of communities by reducing the spread of contagious diseases.

Answers to Your Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine

1. What are the different COVID-19 vaccines available? 

Several COVID-19 vaccines have been developed and authorized for emergency use or full approval in various countries. Some of the prominent vaccines include those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, and Sinovac, among others.

2. How do COVID-19 vaccines work? 

COVID-19 vaccines work by stimulating an immune response in the body. They typically use a small piece of the virus (usually the spike protein) or genetic material (mRNA) to trigger an immune response. This helps the immune system recognize and fight the virus if you are exposed to it in the future.

3. Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe?

The COVID-19 vaccines that have received emergency use authorization or full approval from regulatory agencies have undergone rigorous testing in clinical trials to ensure their safety and efficacy. Side effects are generally mild and temporary, such as sore arm, fatigue, or mild fever. Serious side effects are rare.

4. Do the COVID-19 vaccines have any side effects? 

Like with any vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects. Common side effects include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days.

5. Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

No, you cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccines. The vaccines do not contain live virus. They only contain a small piece of the virus’s genetic material or protein to trigger an immune response.

6. How effective are the COVID-19 vaccines?

The COVID-19 vaccines have shown high levels of effectiveness in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. Effectiveness can vary between different vaccines and against different variants of the virus.

7. Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine? 

In general, COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for eligible individuals who meet the age and health criteria established by health authorities. Vaccination eligibility and recommendations may vary by country and region.

8. Are there any groups that should not get the COVID-19 vaccine?

People with certain severe allergies to vaccine ingredients or a history of severe allergic reactions to previous vaccines should consult a healthcare provider before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

9. Can I stop taking safety precautions after being vaccinated? 

While COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective, it’s important to continue following public health guidelines (such as wearing masks and practicing physical distancing) until a sufficient proportion of the population is vaccinated and community transmission is significantly reduced.

HPV and Cancer

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses that can infect various parts of the body, including the skin and mucous membranes. There are over 200 different types of HPV, and they are categorized into low-risk and high-risk types based on their potential to cause health problems, particularly cancer.

HPV is most commonly associated with cervical cancer, but it can also lead to other types of cancer in both men and women. Here are some of the cancers that can be caused by HPV –

1. Cervical Cancer – HPV infection, especially with high-risk types, is a major cause of cervical cancer. Regular screening (such as Pap smears) and HPV vaccination have been effective in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer.
2. Anal Cancer – HPV infection is a significant risk factor for anal cancer. This is especially true for individuals who engage in receptive anal intercourse.
3. Oropharyngeal (Throat) Cancer – HPV, particularly HPV type 16, has been linked to a significant increase in oropharyngeal cancers, which include cancers of the back of the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils.
4. Penile Cancer – HPV infection can increase the risk of penile cancer in men. Vulvar and Vaginal Cancer: HPV infection is also associated with cancers of the vulva and vagina in women.

Preventive measures include –

1. Vaccination – HPV vaccines are available and are recommended for both boys and girls before they become sexually active. The vaccines protect against the most common high-risk HPV types that cause cancer.
2. Safe Sexual Practices – Practicing safe sex by using condoms can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, although they are not 100% effective since HPV can also infect areas not covered by a condom.
3. Regular Screening – Cervical cancer screening, such as Pap smears or HPV testing, can detect early signs of cervical cancer. Regular check-ups and screenings can help catch any potential issues early.
4. Health Education – Educating the public, especially young adults, about the risks of HPV and the importance of vaccination and safe sexual practices is crucial.

Should People with Cancer and Cancer Survivors Get the Flu Vaccine?

Yes, both people with cancer and cancer survivors are often recommended to receive the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine helps protect against influenza, a contagious respiratory illness that can cause severe illness and complications, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. Cancer and its treatments can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections like the flu.

Here are some important points to consider –

1. People Undergoing Cancer Treatment – Individuals who are currently undergoing cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy, may have a weakened immune system. Getting the flu vaccine can help reduce the risk of contracting the flu, which could be particularly dangerous for those with compromised immune systems.
2. Cancer Survivors – Even after completing cancer treatment, some cancer survivors may still have lingering effects on their immune system. The flu vaccine can provide an extra layer of protection against the flu virus.
3. Household and Close Contacts – It’s also important for close contacts of people with cancer, including caregivers and family members, to receive the flu vaccine. This can help create a “ring of protection” around individuals who are more vulnerable to infections.
4. Timing – It’s necessary to follow the recommendations of healthcare professionals regarding the timing of the flu vaccine in relation to cancer treatment or recovery. In some cases, they may recommend a specific timing to maximize the vaccine’s effectiveness.
5. Consulting Healthcare Providers – People with cancer or cancer survivors should consult their healthcare providers before getting any vaccines, including the flu vaccine. Healthcare providers can offer personalized guidance based on the individual’s specific medical history and current condition.
6. Types of Flu Vaccine – There are different types of flu vaccines available, including standard-dose vaccines and high-dose vaccines designed for older adults. Healthcare providers can help determine which type of vaccine is most appropriate based on the individual’s health status.

What are Cancer Vaccines?

Cancer vaccines are a type of immunotherapy designed to stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent infectious diseases by priming the immune system with weakened or inactivated forms of pathogens, cancer vaccines are developed to target specific cancer-related antigens (proteins) present on the surface of cancer cells.

There are different types of cancer vaccines, each with its own approach –

1. Preventive Cancer Vaccines – These vaccines aim to prevent certain types of cancer by targeting viruses that are known to cause cancer. For example, the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine helps prevent cervical cancer by targeting HPV infections. This vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus.
2. Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines – These vaccines are designed to treat existing cancer by boosting the immune response against cancer cells. Therapeutic cancer vaccines can be further categorized into several types –

a. Tumor Cell Vaccines – These vaccines use cancer cells from the patient’s own body (autologous) or from another source (allogeneic) that have been modified or treated to enhance their immune-stimulating properties. When injected back into the patient, these cells can trigger an immune response against the patient’s specific cancer.

b. Antigen Vaccines – These vaccines contain specific antigens found on cancer cells. They can consist of isolated antigens or fragments of proteins associated with cancer. By introducing these antigens into the body, the immune system is trained to recognize and target cancer cells displaying these antigens.

c. Dendritic Cell Vaccines – Dendritic cells are a type of immune cell that plays a key role in activating other immune cells. In dendritic cell vaccines, these cells are collected from the patient, exposed to cancer antigens, and then reintroduced into the patient’s body to stimulate a stronger immune response against cancer cells.

d. Viral Vector Vaccines – These vaccines use harmless viruses (viral vectors) to deliver cancer-related antigens into the body. The viral vector infects cells and causes them to express the antigens, triggering an immune response.

Cancer vaccines aim to harness the body’s own immune system to target and destroy cancer cells, potentially offering a more targeted and less toxic approach compared to traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, not all cancer vaccines have been proven effective, and their success can vary depending on factors such as the type of cancer, the specific antigens targeted, and the patient’s individual immune response.