Vaccination

What is Vaccination:

Vaccines are part and parcel of public health, crucial for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Through the activation of the body's immune response, vaccines provide a safe and effective way to build resistance to specific pathogens. Encouraging vaccination is not just about protecting the individual; it's about creating a healthier, safer world for everyone. We, as healthcare providers, are committed to educating our patients on the benefits of vaccination, dispelling myths and misconceptions, and providing a supportive environment for those receiving vaccinations.

The Importance of Vaccination

As explained , vaccination is more than just a personal health choice; it is a fundamental component of a preventive healthcare regimen that benefits both individuals and the wider community. Vaccines protect against severe and potentially fatal diseases by significantly reducing the risk of infection. This protection extends beyond the vaccinated individual, contributing to herd immunity. Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community becomes immune to a disease, making its spread from person to person unlikely, thereby offering protection to those who are not immune, such as newborns and individuals with certain health conditions preventing them from getting vaccinated.
Moreover, vaccination programs have been instrumental in controlling, and in some cases, eradicating deadly diseases. For example, smallpox, a disease that once caused widespread devastation, has been eradicated globally thanks to vaccination efforts. Other diseases, such as polio and measles, have seen significant reductions in incidence rates in countries with high vaccination coverage.

Major Vaccinations for Adults

For adults, several vaccines are crucial for maintaining health and preventing disease. These include:

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Recommended annually to protect against the flu virus, which can lead to severe respiratory illness and complications, especially in older adults and those with chronic health conditions.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: Provides protection against these three serious diseases, with a recommendation for a Tdap booster every 10 years.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Recommended for adults up to age 26 to protect against HPV, which can lead to several types of cancer.
Shingles Vaccine: Recommended for adults over 50 to prevent shingles, a painful skin rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
Pneumococcal Vaccine: Advised for adults over 65 and those with certain health conditions to protect against pneumococcal diseases, including pneumonia and meningitis.

Mandatory Vaccinations for Child Safety

For children, vaccination schedules are designed to offer protection during the most vulnerable periods of their development. Mandatory vaccinations typically include:

(DTaP) Vaccine:

The DTaP vaccine serves as a shield against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis—three potentially life-threatening infections

Diphtheria: It can lead to breathing difficulties, heart failure, or paralysis
Tetanus: Tetanus causes painful muscle stiffness and lockjaw
Pertussis: It is a whooping cough that is known for severe, uncontrollable coughing fits that can interfere with breathing.

Polio (IPV) Vaccine:

The IPV vaccine targets poliovirus, safeguarding individuals from poliomyelitis, a virus that may result in irreversible paralysis.

(MMR) Vaccine:

Shields against these three highly contagious diseases.

Measles: It may cause high fever and rash and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
Mumps: It is cause swollen salivary glands, potentially resulting in deafness in worst cases and if not treated and vaccinated.
Rubella: Can cause serious healthcare problems in children.

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine:

The varicella vaccine is vital for preventing chickenpox, a highly contagious disease notable for its itchy, blister-like rash

Hepatitis B Vaccine:

Hepatitis B vaccine protects against the hepatitis B virus, which can cause chronic liver infection, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer.
These vaccines are typically administered according to a schedule recommended by health authorities. Collectively, these vaccines form a protective barrier against a spectrum of diseases, ensuring healthier lives for individuals and communities.

Who can Prescribe Vaccinations?

Vaccination can be prescribed physicians and and administered by nurse practitioners with physician assistants.

Family doctors and internal medicine physicians play a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of their patients, serving as primary care providers who manage a wide array of health issues, including the administration of vaccines. Understanding how our professionals work, the process of vaccination, its benefits, and the longevity of vaccine protection can illuminate the importance of this preventive measure in our healthcare regime.
Our family doctors are highly qualified, DHA Licensed and specialized in comprehensive healthcare for people of all ages. They focus on the whole person, addressing physical, emotional, and social health. They are often involved in preventive care, health education, and the management of chronic conditions. At American Wellness center , Dubai DHCC , we develop long-standing relationships with their patients, making them uniquely positioned to understand their patients' health histories and to recommend vaccinations as part of an individualized preventive health plan.
At Internal medicine department our western trained , well qualified and DHA certified clinicians specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. While they do not typically see pediatric patients, their role in preventive care for adults is invaluable . They have a deep understanding of complex adult diseases, and they use this knowledge to guide their patients in preventing disease, including through vaccination.

The Process of Vaccination at American Wellness center

The vaccination process involves several key steps, from the assessment of the patient’s health and vaccination history to the administration of the vaccine and post-vaccination monitoring.

Assessment: Our professional and DHA certified doctor first reviews the patient's medical history though initial consultation, including past vaccinations and health conditions that might contraindicate certain vaccines. This step ensures the vaccine's suitability for the patient. If our patents require, American Wellness Center can arrange this consulation at the convinience of your home based on needs . Our qualified and trained doctors can visit you along with a nurse staff with all necessary medical equipment to take initial medical investigations of your health .
Recommendation: Based on guidelines from health authorities (DHA, FDA , WHO and other sevral authorities guidelines) the doctor recommends necessary vaccines. This recommendation considers the patient's age, health status, risk factors, and any upcoming travel that may increase exposure to certain diseases.
Consent: Our health professioanls inform and explain patient about the benefits and potential side effects of the vaccine. We help patients to make well informed decision about their healthcare management plan with mutal consent . This informed consent process ensures that the patient understands the importance and implications of vaccination.
Administration: The vaccine is administered according to the route specified by its manufacturer, which is commonly intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. Proper technique is essential to minimize discomfort and maximize efficacy. Our qualified Nursing staff is well trained and DHA certified to administer and perform other nursing jobs. We make sure the safty of the pateint is secured by adoting saftly and emergency measures with our premises. American Wellness Center also offers home care visit services for vaccination administrations where our nursing staff and doctors adopt / follow all the mendatory safty protocoles to ensure safety of our patients and famlies .
Documentation: We make sure either the administartion of vaccination happens at our facility or home visit , the vaccination is documented in the patient's medical record, including the vaccine name, manufacturer, lot number, and the date of administration. This record is crucial for maintaining an up-to-date vaccination schedule.
Observation: After administration, the patient may be observed for a short period for any immediate adverse reactions, although such reactions are rare. Our team is fully equipped with necessary tools to handle situations if may arise .

Benefits of Getting Vaccinated

Vaccination offers numerous benefits, both to the individual and the community at large.

Disease Prevention: Vaccines protect against various infectious diseases that can be serious or even deadly.
Community Immunity: High vaccination rates contribute to herd immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.
Cost-Effective: Preventing disease through vaccination saves healthcare costs related to treating those diseases and the lost productivity from illness.
Protection for Future Generations: Vaccines have helped reduce, and in some cases, eliminate diseases that once harmed or killed many.

Longevity of Vaccine Protection

The duration of protection offered by vaccines varies depending on the specific vaccine, the disease it protects against, and individual factors such as the person’s immune system. Some vaccines, like tetanus, require booster shots every 10 years to maintain immunity. Others, like measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), offer long-lasting protection that can be lifelong after the complete series of shots.

Recent advancements, such as mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, have shown robust initial immunity, but ongoing research is determining the optimal timing for booster doses to maintain protection against emerging variants. The longevity of vaccine protection underscores the importance of adhering to recommended vaccination schedules and booster shots as advised by healthcare providers.

We encourage to adopt preventive medicine measures and book any appointment with our highly qualified, western trained and DHA certified doctors with rich experience in pateint saftey and start your journey towards a total wellness. You can start to live a healther life at any age.

1) Recommended vaccines for infants up to 12 months of age

The vaccination schedule for children from birth through 12 years old is designed to protect them from a variety of serious or potentially fatal diseases. Below is a general outline based on the recommendations from health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. It's important to note that specific schedules can vary by country, and parents should consult with their child's healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Birth to 12 Months (infants and babies)

Hepatitis B (HepB): First dose at birth, second dose at 1-2 months, and a third dose between 6-18 months.
Rotavirus (RV): First dose at 2 months, second dose at 4 months (and possibly a third dose at 6 months, depending on the vaccine type).
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): First dose at 2 months, second dose at 4 months, and third dose at 6 months.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): First dose at 2 months, second dose at 4 months, third dose at 6 months (if needed, depending on the vaccine), and a booster dose at 12-15 months.
Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13): First dose at 2 months, second dose at 4 months, third dose at 6 months, and a booster dose at 12-15 months.
Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV): First dose at 2 months, second dose at 4 months, and third dose between 6-18 months.
Influenza (Flu): Annually, starting from 6 months of age.

2) Recommended vaccines for 12 months to 12 years of age

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): First dose at 12-15 months and a second dose at 4-6 years.
Varicella (Chickenpox): First dose at 12-15 months and a second dose at 4-6 years.
Hepatitis A (HepA): Two doses, with the first dose at 12-23 months and the second dose 6 months after the first.
Meningococcal: Depending on the child's health and the vaccine type, the first dose can be administered at 11-12 years with a booster at 16 years.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The vaccine can be started at 9 years old, with a two-dose series for those starting vaccination before their 15th birthday or a three-dose series starting at ages 15 through 26.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap): A booster dose at 11-12 years.

Additional Considerations:

Some children may require additional doses or vaccines based on their health status, travel plans, or if they missed any vaccinations. For example, children with certain medical conditions may need additional pneumococcal vaccinations. Moreover, flu vaccines are recommended every year for nearly all people over the age of 6 months. Parents and caregivers should maintain an open dialogue with healthcare providers to ensure their children are up-to-date with their vaccinations, as this schedule may be updated and specific recommendations may vary. Vaccinations are a key component of child health, providing protection against serious diseases throughout childhood and beyond.

3) Recommended vaccines for 12 years to 30 years of age

Vaccination schedules from adolescence through young adulthood (ages 12 and above ) are designed to reinforce immunity provided by vaccines received during childhood, protect against diseases that are more likely to occur during adolescence and adulthood, and prepare for potential exposure to diseases due to lifestyle, travel, occupation, or health conditions. Below is a summary of the recommended vaccinations for individuals aged 12 to 30 years, based on guidelines from health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. Always consult healthcare providers for personalized advice, as recommendations can vary by country and individual health needs.

Adolescents (12-18 years)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): HPV vaccine series should be started if not previously initiated, with two doses recommended for those starting the series before their 15th birthday and a three-dose series for those starting on or after their 15th birthday up to age 26.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap): A booster dose if not previously administered, typically given at 11-12 years. It provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY): First dose at 11-12 years with a booster dose at 16 years. This vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, which can lead to bacterial meningitis and other serious conditions.
Meningococcal B Vaccine (MenB): This vaccine is recommended based on shared clinical decision-making for teens and young adults aged 16-23, with a preferred age of vaccination at 16-18 years. It provides protection against meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B.
Influenza (Flu): Annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months, including adolescents.

Young Adults (19-30 years)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The vaccine series should be completed if not already done so. The CDC recommends vaccination for all persons through age 26 years.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap): Adults who have not previously received the Tdap vaccine should get it once, followed by a Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) booster every 10 years.
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY): Young adults entering college or military, or those at increased risk for meningococcal disease, may need vaccination or a booster dose.
Meningococcal B Vaccine (MenB): Continued vaccination based on shared clinical decision-making, especially for those at increased risk for meningococcal disease.
Influenza (Flu): Annual vaccination against influenza is recommended for all adults.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Adults should have documentation of MMR vaccination unless they have evidence of immunity. Individuals born in or after 1957 should have at least one dose of MMR, with two doses recommended for those in certain high-risk groups.
Varicella (Chickenpox): Adults without evidence of immunity to varicella should receive two doses of the vaccine.
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B: Vaccination for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B is recommended for adults who have specific risk factors or want protection.

Special Considerations:

Certain adults may require additional vaccines based on their health status, occupation, travel plans, lifestyle factors, and whether they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. These can include vaccines for pneumococcal disease, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B, among others. International travelers may need additional vaccines based on their destination. Staying up-to-date with vaccinations from adolescence through young adulthood is crucial for maintaining health and protecting against preventable diseases. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers offer an opportunity to review and update vaccination status based on the latest health guidelines and individual needs. Vaccinations are a key component of preventive healthcare, reducing the risk of outbreaks and safeguarding public health.

4) Recommended vaccines for 30 years to 60 years of age

For adults aged 30 to 60 years, vaccinations continue to play a crucial role in preventive healthcare. This age group should ensure they are up-to-date with vaccines received during childhood or adolescence, as well as vaccines specifically recommended for adults. Recommendations can vary based on individual health status, occupation, travel, and other lifestyle factors, so it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice. Here is a general guide to the vaccinations typically recommended for adults aged 30 to 60, based on guidelines from health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States.

Influenza (Flu): An annual flu vaccine is recommended for all adults to protect against the seasonal flu virus.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap): If not previously vaccinated in adulthood, one dose of Tdap should be administered, followed by a Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) booster every 10 years.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Adults who do not have evidence of immunity should receive at least one dose of MMR vaccine, with two doses recommended for those in certain high-risk groups.
Varicella (Chickenpox): Adults without evidence of immunity to chickenpox should receive two doses of the vaccine.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The HPV vaccine is recommended for all adults through age 26 years. For adults aged 27 through 45 years, HPV vaccination is based on shared clinical decision-making. Not all adults over 26 will benefit from HPV vaccination, so discussions with healthcare providers are crucial to determine if it's right for you.
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B: Vaccination is recommended for adults who have specific risk factors, including certain international travelers, those with chronic liver disease, and people who are seeking protection from these viruses.
Pneumococcal Vaccine: Adults aged 19-64 with certain health conditions (such as chronic heart, lung, or liver diseases, diabetes, or smokers) should discuss pneumococcal vaccination (PCV13 and PPSV23) with their healthcare provider to determine if they are candidates for these vaccines.
Regular Healthcare Visits It's important for adults in the 30 to 60 age bracket to maintain regular healthcare checkups, including preventive care appointments. These visits provide an opportunity to review and update vaccination status based on the latest health guidelines and individual health assessments.

Vaccinations remain a critical aspect of preventive healthcare for adults aged 30 to 60, offering protection against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Staying up-to-date with recommended vaccinations not only protects the individual but also contributes to the overall health and immunity of the community. Regular consultation with healthcare providers ensures that vaccination schedules are tailored to meet individual health needs and circumstances.

5) Recommended vaccines for ages 60 and above

For individuals aged 60 years and older, vaccinations are a key component of preventive healthcare, helping to protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. As the immune system weakens with age, older adults are at a higher risk for certain diseases, making vaccinations increasingly important. Here's a summary of the recommended vaccinations for adults aged 60 and over, including how often they should be administered based on guidelines from health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. Always consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice. Your healthcare practitionar may prescribe following:

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Recommended annually to protect against the seasonal flu. Older adults can consider the high-dose flu vaccine or the adjuvanted flu vaccine, which are specifically designed to create a stronger immune response in people aged 65 and older.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine: Recommended as a two-dose series for adults aged 50 and older, including those who have already had shingles or received the Zostavax vaccine (which is no longer used in the U.S. as of November 2020). The second dose should be administered 2 to 6 months after the first.
Pneumococcal Vaccines: Two types of pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for all adults 65 years and older:
PCV13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine): A one-time dose may be given based on shared clinical decision-making for adults aged 65 and older who have not previously received PCV13.
PPSV23 (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine): Recommended for all adults 65 years of age and older. Those who receive PPSV23 before the age of 65 (due to other health conditions) should receive another dose of the vaccine at 65 or later if at least 5 years have passed since their previous PPSV23 vaccination.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) or Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) Booster: If they have not previously received Tdap, a one-time dose should be given, followed by a Td booster every 10 years.

Additional Vaccines Based on Health Status, Lifestyle, and Other Factors:

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccines: May be recommended for older adults with specific risk factors, such as chronic liver disease, traveling to countries where hepatitis A and B are common, or those seeking protection against these viruses.
COVID-19 Vaccine and Boosters:All adults, including those 60 and older, should be vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive booster doses as recommended by public health guidelines to maintain protection against the virus and its variants.
Regular Consultation with Healthcare Providers Older adults should regularly consult with their healthcare providers for Health checkups and to ensure that their vaccination schedule is up-to-date based on the most recent recommendations and their personal health needs. Healthcare providers can offer guidance on the timing and necessity of each vaccine, considering factors like past vaccinations, chronic health conditions, lifestyle, and potential exposure risks.

Vaccinations play a critical role in the health and well-being of individuals aged 60 and older, offering protection against serious diseases and reducing the risk of hospitalization and death. By adhering to recommended vaccination schedules and consulting with healthcare providers, older adults can take proactive steps to maintain their health and quality of life in their senior years.