Vaccination
The principle of vaccines is to use the human immune system's ability to identify foreign substances to enhance the body's protection. Vaccines contain bacterial or viral antigens. When injected into the body, the immune system will mistakenly think that it is being attacked by bacteria or viruses and produce antibodies to remember them. When the same pathogen enters the body, the immune system can quickly identify it, produce antibodies and attack it. Vaccines have been proven to prevent many once-rampant and deadly diseases, such as smallpox, tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, etc.
Not every vaccine is suitable for everyone. People who want to be vaccinated must be evaluated by a registered physician before they can be vaccinated. Some people (although rare) may have allergic reactions to certain vaccines (such as measles, wheezing, etc.); these people will not be suitable for such vaccines.
Medical staff will ask about the medical history of the vaccine recipient and whether they have had an allergic reaction to the vaccine; and assess their physical condition to decide whether to give the vaccine or continue the vaccination.
Vaccination Arrangements
Vaccines give the body immunity against real infections that may occur. Vaccines are given at an early stage according to a set schedule.
Eligible vaccine recipients
Common side effects of vaccines
Vaccines can stimulate immune responses and may also cause side effects. After vaccination, medical staff will recommend that the vaccine recipient stay for observation for a period of time (for example: fifteen minutes to half an hour); in this way, if acute allergies occur, they can be treated in time.
Generally speaking, the side effects of vaccines are mild and short-lived, and will subside within a few days. Common side effects include: pain at the injection site (sometimes redness, swelling and hardening). The vaccine recipient may also feel tired or have muscle pain. Some people may have a fever, headache, etc. Oral vaccines may cause gastrointestinal discomfort (such as diarrhea). The side effects of each vaccine are different. If they persist after a few days, or even worsen, you should consult a doctor.
If you experience severe adverse reactions (e.g. swelling of the mouth and tongue, difficulty breathing or paralysis), seek medical attention immediately. In general, vaccines are safe; their efficacy and quality requirements have been established before they are introduced on the market.
Source:
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government – Department of Health Drug Identification Office https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk/eps/do/tc/consumer/news_informations/dm_40.html
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government – Department of Health Family Health Service https://www.fhs.gov.hk/tc_chi/main_ser/child_health/child_health_recommend.html
