According to doctors, a person needs not only innate, but also acquired immunity. It is produced gradually, under the action of vaccinations. Traditional vaccinations are known to all, their meaning and possible consequences are well studied. But what to do with vaccinations "at will": for flu, meningococcal and pneumococcal? That's what experts say.
Meningococcal infection - in addition to fairly common otitis and sinusitis, is the cause of such severe diseases as meningitis and meningococcal sepsis.
Normally, meningococcus is present in the nasopharynx of most people and is considered part of the microflora of the body. Meningococci are transmitted from person to person by airborne droplets, so a large density of children, for example, in kindergartens or polyclinics, contributes to its reproduction.
Dana infection is a frequent complication after acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, severe hypothermia. She is prone to babies with any chronic illness. A child’s body is not able to fight such a strong infection, especially given that there are 12 varieties of miningococcus. The presence of immunity to one of them does not protect the body from others.
Doctors recommend vaccinating children against miningococcal infection from nine months of age, since it is very difficult for babies up to two years old and it contributes to the development of serious chronic processes. First of all, children with allergic diseases, as well as those who are in the "risk group" of various respiratory infections, should be vaccinated.
Regarding exactly which vaccine to choose for vaccinations, the doctors are unanimous - it is best to resort to the latest generation of drugs.
Flu - extremely hard flowing disease, dangerous primarily to its complications. Everyone has heard about flu vaccines and therefore most people know that the set of its strains changes from year to year.
Flu vaccination (as, in fact, according to the rules and from other diseases) is done only when the child has no visible signs of the disease. And for those who have chronic diseases - in the period of remission. It is believed that the “chronicles” need to vaccinate even more healthy people, because by “catching up” the flu, they can worsen their already imperfect state of health.
Doctors recommend flu shots in early autumn. Since according to the statistics of the influenza epidemic come by the end of January, the vaccinated organism by this time will already be able to develop a complete immunity.
According to the latest order of the Ministry of Health, pregnant women (in the second and third trimester), military, “chronicles”, people suffering from obesity and diabetes are subject to mandatory vaccination against influenza.
It is also important to keep in mind the presence of absolute contraindications to this vaccination - an allergy to chicken protein, from which, in fact, vaccines are made.
Pneumococcal infection - the cause of such serious diseases as pneumonia, meningitis, pleurisy and sepsis. Despite the fact that pneumonia can affect people of any age, pensioners are at risk, people suffering from immunodeficiency, children under five years of age.
Pneumonia is transmitted by airborne droplets and through objects that potentially contain the patient's saliva (spoons, toys, etc.). Carriers of pathogens often do not get sick themselves, but may well infect others. The disease does not have seasonality and "crushes" people at any time of the year.
Vaccinations against pneumonia are subject to people prone to frequent colds, having asthma, diabetes and anemia.
Children are vaccinated depending on whether they are in the peer team. As a rule, the first vaccine falls on 2 years. The scheme of vaccination and revaccination of children up to two years old will be developed by a doctor. Adults are vaccinated once.
