Vaccines help your immune system fight against potentially dangerous viruses that can cause serious diseases and infections. There are several different types of vaccines that are created according to the diseases they protect against.
The four types of vaccines are:
- Live attenuated vaccines – These use a weakened version of the germ to create the vaccine and are very effective at preventing diseases. They have a very long-lasting effect and just one or two shots of the vaccine are sufficient to protect you for an entire lifetime. Examples include Rotavirus, Smallpox, Chickenpox, Yellow Fever.
- Inactivated vaccines – These vaccines use a killed version of the microorganism to create the vaccine. They don’t provide as much protection as live vaccines and may need to be taken in several doses. Examples include Hepatitis A, Polio, Flu vaccine.
Subunit, recombinant, polysaccharide, and conjugate vaccines – These vaccines use specific pieces of the germ such as the protein, sugar, or capsid to create the vaccine. These vaccines are very strong as the immune system targets the key parts of the germ. Examples include Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal, Meningococcal.
Toxoid vaccines – These vaccines use a toxin made by the germ and create immunity against the part of the germ that causes the disease. Examples include Tetanus, Diphtheria.
There are many clinics that provide immunisations and vaccinations, including flu vaccines and yellow fever vaccinations in Melbourne and other cities around the country. It is very easy to consult a medical professional and seek their advice and help before you decide on taking any vaccines, to check if you have any complications which may need to be addressed.
Making appointments for vaccines such as flu vaccines in Ascot Vale and other areas is very easy with online appointments.
Stay protected and keep your community protected from deadly diseases with immunisation.
