“Vaccination is a simple, safe and effective way to protect ourselves against harmful diseases before we come into contact with them.” This is stated by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the organization’s calculations Childhood vaccines save the lives of 4 million children every year.
But the risks continue throughout life, especially as we age, since the immune system weakens with age. So it’s worth making sure you have everything in order if You aspire to age healthily.
Vaccination against tetanus and diphtheria
Vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough began in 1964. It is administered during the first years of life, with a booster dose at age 14, up to 5 doses.
A booster dose is recommended around age 65 in people vaccinated correctly in childhood and adolescence.
Vaccination against measles, rubella and mumps
Vaccination with 2 doses of MMR, with a separation between doses of at least 4 weeks, is recommended for people born in Spain since 1978 who have not suffered from the disease and who do not have a history of vaccination with 2 doses during childhood. Adults who have previously received a single dose will be administered a second. People born before 1978 are assumed to have had measles.
Vaccination against flu and COVID-19
The risk of a serious case of flu is greater in children under 6 months of age, in people over 65 years of age and in people with immunosuppression or underlying diseases, such as chronic respiratory, cardiac and neurological diseases. During pregnancy it can also carry risks, such as low birth weight. Hence, vaccination is recommended every year for these groups.
In the last 3 vaccination campaigns, the flu vaccine was administered together with the COVID-19 vaccine. In these cases, beyond risk groups, it is also recommended for staff in public and private health and socio-health centers and workers in essential public services.
Vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV)
Hepatitis B viral infections are transmitted through blood, semen, and other body fluids from one person to another, as well as from mother to child during childbirth. Most people recover, but some develop chronic hepatitis B infection. increases the risk of liver cancer.
In Spain, vaccination against hepatitis B was introduced as part of the immunization of adolescents, between 1991 and 1996, according to the autonomous community. Currently, it is administered in the first year of life.
Vaccination against HBV is recommended for people over 18 years of age who have not been previously vaccinated, with a 3-dose schedule. In the rest of adults, vaccination is only indicated in people at personal or occupational risk of acquiring the infection.
Vaccination against invasive pneumococcal disease
Vaccination against pneumococcus is recommended with one dose of 23-polysaccharide pneumococcus vaccine (VNP23) from 65 years of age.
This is a serious infection caused by bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). This may cause severe cases of acute meningitis, sepsis or pneumonia. In addition, it can cause other milder symptoms, such as otitis or sinusitis.
Vaccination against chickenpox
Systematic vaccination with 2 doses of vaccine is recommended for all healthy people who have no evidence of immunity (they have not been vaccinated or have had the disease). According to Spanish Association of Vaccinologymore specifically, and within this group, the chickenpox vaccine is highly recommended in the following cases:
- Non-immunized people at risk of exposure (healthcare workers, caregivers of chronically ill patients).
- People who live with immunosuppressed patients (with alterations in their defenses) who have a high risk of contracting the disease and developing severe forms.
- Women of childbearing age, taking into account that they must allow at least 4 weeks to pass between the vaccine and a possible pregnancy.
Pregnancy should be avoided within 4 weeks of each dose administered.
Vaccination against HPV
It is transmitted by skin-skin contact, with sexual intercourse being the most common route of infection. The human papillomavirus is responsible for at least 90% of cervical cancer cases. It has also been linked to cancers of the vulva, penis, anal canal, and head and neck.
Therefore, vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent the disease. Since 2023, the vaccine against human papilloma (HPV) has been administered in Spain for both boys and girls aged 12 and over.
For those of between 13 and 18 years old the vaccine will be financed. 2 doses will be administered with a separation of at least 5-6 months and if vaccination begins at 14 or 15 years of age, 3 doses will be administered with a schedule of 0, 1-2, 6 months.
It is recommended in adults who belong to risk groups: people with primary immunodeficiency, women who have had cervical surgery, patients with HIV infection and men who have sex with men.
Vaccination against shingles
It is a disease caused by the varicella zoster virus that causes a painful rash. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox in childhood.. It remains latent in the body, and can be activated years later, giving rise to this disease. One in 3 people will contract it at some point in their life, most frequently after the age of 50.
Se recommends vaccination in adults at 65 years of age. 2 doses will be administered separated by a minimum interval of 8 weeks.
2024-03-16 11:00:04
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