The majority can’t be blamed for thinking that vaccination and immunization pertain to one concept because a lot of physicians use them interchangeably.
And the physicians are not wrong. These words can, indeed, be used interchangeably. However, these words still don’t mean the same thing. NPS Medicinewise says that “Vaccination and immunization are often used interchangeably, but their meanings are not exactly the same.”
But how is that possible?
The answer can be found by looking at the World Health Organization (WHO)’s definition for the terms.
Immunization is the term used to call the effect of vaccines. It is the process of developing a patient’s immune system against specific diseases. When vaccines are administered, they create a stimulation in the body’s immune system to help strengthen it against certain types of viruses and bacteria. Since each vaccine target specific kinds of diseases, they also develop the immune system differently.
In the Philippines, there are several vaccines, like the dengue and HPV (cervical cancer) vaccines, that are available nationwide. The government, particularly the Department of Health (DOH), are also providing free vaccinations for children in public schools. Consult your doctor for recommended ages and seasons for each vaccine appropriate for you.
But if you don’t know any physicians nearby, vaccines can also be administered in hospitals like ManilaMed. Their pool of medical experts will not only inform you of the vaccines and schedule you need, they will also keep track of your vaccination progress. Visit www.manilamed.com.ph for more information.
