Vaccines aren’t just for babies and young children—they’re a crucial part of staying healthy at every stage of life. The importance of vaccination throughout life lies in its ability to protect us from preventable diseases, keeping individuals and communities safe. From childhood immunisations to adult boosters and elderly protection, vaccines play a lifelong role in strengthening immunity. Many illnesses once considered deadly have been controlled thanks to vaccinations, but staying up to date is essential. Whether it's childhood vaccines, flu shots, or travel immunisations, ensuring lifelong protection is key to a healthier future.
When looking back in history, it becomes apparent why vaccinating our children has become a routine part of parenthood. Vaccinations are proven to be safe and to prevent deadly illness.
Prior to the introduction of vaccines, it was common for people to die from diseases such smallpox or measles.
Thankfully, such occurrences are almost unheard of today, with smallpox declared eradicated in 1980 following a global immunisation campaign led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and a reduction in measles deaths by 75%, following a rise in measles vaccination coverage to 85%.
“History has proven that vaccinations are safe and effective, with potential for global benefits.”
World Immunisation Week every April focuses on the critical importance of full immunisation throughout life. The Global Vaccination Action Plan (GVAP) was endorsed by the WHO in May 2012 and aims to prevent millions of deaths by 2020 through more widespread access to vaccines.
Vaccines work by exposing the body to a small but safe amount of the germ causing the disease. This allows the body’s immune system to build a defence against the germ, so that it is prepared when next exposed.
The South African national expanded programme on immunisation (EPI) schedule includes vaccines against 11 potentially life-threatening diseases, with dosing recommendations between birth and 12 years of age (download EPI schedule here). The schedule closely follows recommendations by the WHO and there are also several private schedules available.
It’s important to remember that vaccines don’t end with childhood. For example, The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine is recommended for administration between the ages of 9 and 45, with more specific age recommendations dependent on gender and vaccine choice.
HPV is the most common infection of the reproductive tract. It can cause cervical cancer, other types of cancer and genital warts, in males and females.
In South Africa, cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 15 to 44 years. Two HPV vaccines are available in South Africa. Both vaccines are highly effective in preventing infection with virus types 16 and 18, which are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases globally.
These are available for females aged 9 to 45. Additionally, one of the vaccines protects against genital warts and is also approved for administration in males aged 9 to 26. Dosing is either a 2 or 3 dose regimen, depending on your age.
The HPV vaccine is preventive and needs to be administered before exposure to the virus. In 2014, the South African National Department of Health implemented a school-based HPV vaccine programme for girls aged 9 and over in grade four in public schools.
This continues as part of the Integrated School Health Programme, with an estimated 91% of girls in this group receiving HPV vaccines since the initiative began. Unfortunately, vaccination outside of this selected population is underutilised. Dr Trudy Smith, a Johannesburg-based gynaecologist, cites potential reasons for this as being a “lack of education (despite) … good quality evidence” and states that the “key to improving this (is) education” of both healthcare providers and the general public. The cost of HPV vaccines has been reduced significantly, making it more affordable in the private sector.
The other important vaccination to remember is that which protects against herpes-zoster, more commonly known as shingles. Shingles is a re-activation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster), and often causes a painful blistering rash. 
The associated pain can be very severe and may persist even after the rash has resolved. This is referred to as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). The lifetime risk of developing shingles is estimated at 30%, with a significantly increased risk after the age of 50. A live varicella-zoster vaccine has been shown to decrease the risk of shingles infection by 51% and PHN by 67%. A single dose is recommended for adults over the age of 50 years, even if they have already had an attack of shingles.
Global health organisations such as the WHO have worked closely with national authorities and leading healthcare professionals to establish immunisation recommendations aimed at eradication of dangerous diseases and improving the health of our population. History has proven that vaccinations are safe and effective, with potential for global benefits.
However, it is still up to us to take responsibility for our own health and the health of our children, to ensure that vaccines are administered appropriately during the different stages of our lives. This will ensure that vaccination initiatives are able to provide the maximum benefit for our families and our country.
As the late Mark Pilgrim, well-known presenter and father of two young girls had so precisely pointed out, “… the role of immunisation in (his family’s) health care, for now and the future, is vital.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – The Importance of Vaccination Throughout Life
Why are vaccinations important for both children and adults?
Vaccinations protect against serious diseases by strengthening the immune system. While childhood vaccines prevent illnesses like measles and polio, adult vaccinations guard against HPV, shingles, flu, and pneumonia, ensuring lifelong protection.
Are vaccines safe?
Yes, vaccines undergo rigorous testing and continuous monitoring by health organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO) and South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to ensure their safety and effectiveness before public use.
Why do some vaccines require multiple doses?
Some vaccines require booster shots to provide long-term immunity. Certain vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine, require two or three doses, while others, like the tetanus vaccine, need boosters every 10 years.
Can vaccines cause the disease they are meant to prevent?
No, vaccines do not cause disease. They contain weakened, inactivated, or partial forms of the virus or bacteria, allowing the immune system to develop protection without infection.
Why is the HPV vaccine important, and who should get it?
The HPV vaccine protects against cervical cancer, genital warts, and other HPV-related cancers. It is recommended for girls and boys aged 9 to 26, but adults up to 45 years may also benefit from vaccination.
Is it necessary to vaccinate against diseases that are no longer common?
Yes, even if certain diseases are rare, stopping vaccinations can lead to outbreaks. Diseases like measles and polio are still present in some parts of the world, and vaccination prevents their return and spread.
Can adults get vaccinated against shingles?
Yes, adults over 50 years should receive the shingles vaccine to reduce their risk of developing the painful shingles rash and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Even if a person has already had shingles, the vaccine reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
How does the flu vaccine work, and who should get it?
The flu vaccine protects against seasonal influenza strains. It is recommended annually for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems to reduce complications and hospitalisation risks.
Are vaccines still necessary if I lead a healthy lifestyle?
Yes, while a healthy diet and regular exercise boost immunity, they cannot replace the protection offered by vaccines. Vaccines provide specific immunity that the body cannot develop through lifestyle alone.
How can I access vaccinations in South Africa?
Vaccines are available through the South African Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), public clinics, private healthcare providers, and pharmacies. Some vaccines, such as HPV for school-aged girls, are provided for free under national health programmes.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about vaccinations, consult a healthcare provider or immunisation expert.
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