Analysis of Article about Quality, Efficient and Effective Immunizations - Essay Example

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the operating components of the United States Department of Health and Human Services that is mainly concerned with the health of the public (Lesser, 2010, n.p.). CDC has many public health programs to improve society’s health status. Some of the programs are promoting healthy living, prevention of injury and violence, safety, environmental health and hazard, immunizations, and others (CDC, 2011, n.p.).

Vaccinations and Immunizations are some of the public health services that utilize by the community people. Vaccination pertains to the administration of a vaccine that contains a pathogen and antigen to boost the immune system of the body. Vaccines are classified into two, active and passive forms (Cavendish, 2008, p. 446). Immunization is a method to challenge the immune system and prevent serious life-threatening diseases and it works to defend the body when germs or bacteria invade the system (Kaneshiro, 2010, n.p.).

According to CDC in 2011, there are recommended schedules to follow in giving a vaccination. For example, the hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine is given at a minimum age early after birth, and then the next dose is 1-2 months of age, and the third and fourth doses are given earlier than 24 weeks for the child. Rotavirus vaccine and DPT or diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus are given at 6 weeks of age and the next dose is administered as early as 12 months. Haemophilus Influenzae type B conjugate vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, influenza, and poliovirus vaccine are also given at 6 weeks old.

The final dose of the oral polio vaccine is given at least 6 months following the previous dose. The vaccines that are administered at 12 months of age are the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine, varicella, hepatitis A, and meningococcal vaccine. Compliance with the schedule is really important, and if doses are missed, one needs to consult the doctor for the catch-up schedule. The vaccine prevents diseases and illness so the CDC works hand in hand with the public health agencies and private sectors to increase the public’s awareness regarding immunizations.

The different diseases that can be prevented are measles, diphtheria, mumps, pertussis, poliomyelitis, rubella, tuberculosis, hepatitis A and B, and many more. Any vaccine can cause side effects but it is a normal response of the body to the pathogen introduced to the immune response. The minor side effects are a sore arm, low-grade fever that can be managed by giving anti-pyretic, nausea and vomiting, redness, warmth, or swelling, or even poor appetite that diminishes after a few days of immunization.

There are also uncommon side effects of vaccine that needs to be addressed immediately, such as serious allergic reaction, high-grade fever, and convulsions that may lead to brain damage if left untreated. About the community, the different community health centers implement quality, efficient and effective immunizations.