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How can we improve immunity of women and girls ?

Updated: Jul 28, 2021

How can we improve immunity of girls and women in specific areas !


Immunity is the body’s ability to fight against infections and protect the person from serious consequences and reduce chronic disability . Such immunity is achieved by good nutrition ,exercise and generally a healthy life style . It is further acquired by vaccinations (shots ) which are given to protect women and the society . The most popular examples are of the tetanus toxoid injections which are a routine practice in pregnant mother . Long time back newborns used to succumb to tetanus acquired due to unhygienic delivery practices. After universal immunisation of mothers through two tetanus injections antenatally administered newborn tetanus completely disappeared . Tetanus is a serious infection which kills the affected individuals and causes a serious disability as it attacks the nervous system predominantly . Polio infections in prevention with vaccinations in newborn is another example of immunisation being effective .

What unfortunately comes across is that girls and women are not adequately protected through vaccinations . Girls and women need to be protected as for their own selves and especially when they conceive they are going to help protect the baby from these infections and reduce a huge burden of illnesses. Here is a quick Now how and a reckoner to help all to protect women and girls through vaccination.


Why are women and girls deprived of vaccinations in our country ?

Ignorance basically and fear of an injection is the primary cause identified. In addition we have to buy these vaccines and these are not free as would be in case if newborns . Also families seem to be reluctant in spending money for their own valuable protection under the pretext of fear and perception that they are of no use . When I speak of vaccines to my patients many a times they are surprised and share the fact that no one has ever offered them this before .


What are the vaccinations that can be taken in young girls and women ?

Vaccinations against hepatitis A&B , Rubella infection , HPV infections and influenza can be taken .


What are all these infections all about ?

Hepatitis is a viral infection which is acquired through unclean food or intimate acts (unsafe sex )and causes jaundice , injury to the liver and sometimes long term liver damage such as cirrhosis and is definitely a morbid disability. Rubella is another viral infection which when affects a pregnancy mother gets transmitted to the baby and causes congenital rubella in the newborn which includes deformities , possibility of blindness and deafness . Preterm births and death of baby within the womb can be associated. HPV infection is transferred though close intimate contact and causes cancer of the cervix ( common In our country ) Flu vaccination is against the swine flu to be taken annually by all but definitely by pregnant women to protect themselves and the baby . Pregnant mothers have a modified immunological response and altered physiology , therefore are more likely to have serious complications .


What all vaccinations are needed to be taken by teenagers , young women and women planning to have babies and are married or getting married ?

HPV : 3 shots awards lifetime protection Tetanus every 10 years Better to take Td which also protects against diphtheria another respiratory infection which is on the rise Rubella vaccine protects for 10 years Hepatitis B every 5 years


What vaccinations are to be taken during pregnancy ?

Tetanus . Diphtheria . Tetanus diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap), influenza and hepatitis B are recommended during pregnancy


What are the vaccinations for older women ?

Hepatitis , Tdap and flu must be taken regularly . High risk women can take pneumococci also in addition


Are there any side effects of vaccinations ?

These are made with strict quality control and are safe .

Earnest request to all girls and women kindly empower yourself with protected preventive health as you are going to build a healthy society and future . Be blessed always and know your own biology


What vaccinations are to be taken during pregnancy ?

Tetanus . Diphtheria . Tetanus diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap), influenza and hepatitis B are recommended during pregnancy


What are the vaccinations for older women ? Hepatitis , Tdap and flu must be taken regularly . High risk women can take pneumococci also in addition


Are there any side effects of vaccinations ? These are made with strict quality control and are safe .

Earnest request to all girls and women kindly empower yourself with protected preventive health as you are going to build a healthy society and future . Be blessed always and know your own biology

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