How do vaccines work?

Vaccines stimulate the immune system to develop immunity against a specific infectious disease. They contain antigens that the immune system recognizes as foreign. In response to these vaccine antigens, the body produces antibodies and other immune components, such as memory cells.
This means that if the vaccinated person later encounters the real pathogen, their immune system will respond more quickly and effectively, preventing the development of the disease or reducing its severity.

Types of vaccines

There are various types of vaccines, including:

• Vaccines containing weakened or inactivated pathogens,
• Vaccines with purified antigens,
• mRNA or vector-based vaccines,
• Conjugate vaccines. These differ in composition, production process, and administration method.

What are the mandatory vaccinations for everyone?

In Poland, there is a mandatory vaccination program, which includes vaccinations against:

• Tuberculosis (BCG),
• Diphtheria,
• Tetanus,
• Hepatitis B (HBV),
• Pertussis,
• Measles,
• Mumps,
• Rubella,
• Invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b infections,
• Pneumococcal infections,
• Rotavirus infections. These vaccinations are free and available to everyone.

Supplementary (recommended, non-mandatory) vaccinations

Recommended vaccinations supplement the mandatory ones and protect against the following diseases:

• Chickenpox,
• Influenza,
• Tick-borne encephalitis,
• Rotavirus infections,
• Meningococcal infections,
• Hepatitis A (HAV).

Travel Medicine – Vaccinations before traveling abroad

Vaccinations before traveling abroad are an important aspect of health prevention. Travel vaccinations are divided into:

1. Mandatory vaccinations – required by certain countries, e.g., yellow fever vaccination before traveling to endemic regions in Africa and South America.
2. Recommended vaccinations – tailored to the epidemiological risk in a given region. Vaccinations should be started 6-8 weeks before the planned trip to allow time for antibodies to develop. Some vaccines require several doses given at specific intervals.
   It’s advisable to consult a travel medicine specialist beforehand to assess individual risk and develop an appropriate vaccination plan.
   Check out also >> Child Vaccinations, Adult Vaccinations.

How to prepare for vaccination?

Before vaccination, inform your doctor about your current health condition, past illnesses, medications, supplements you’re taking, and any previous vaccine reactions.
On the day of vaccination, it's recommended to avoid taking painkillers and fever reducers without consulting a doctor.

Contraindications to vaccination

• Severe reaction to a previous vaccine dose,
• Severe allergic reaction to a vaccine component,
• Acute illness with fever,
• Certain immune system disorders. Each case is individually assessed by a doctor.

Advantages and disadvantages of vaccinations

Vaccinations are one of the most effective methods of preventing infectious diseases. Even if vaccinated individuals do contract a disease, they usually experience it more mildly, reducing the risk of complications. Additionally, vaccinations contribute to protecting those around the vaccinated individual, known as the cocooning strategy. This helps protect people who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons from infection.
Despite numerous benefits, vaccinations may carry some risks. Some vaccines do not provide 100% immunity, meaning a vaccinated person may still contract the disease. Moreover, as with any medical intervention, there is a risk of adverse reactions to the vaccine (AEs), which may include allergic reactions or other complications.