Vaccine Immunity vs. Natural Immunity

I received a question about whether it is better to get sick with something and gain immunity that way ("natural" immunity) or is it better to get vaccinated. I think this is a very good question and the answer all depends on how you look at it.

We build up immunity by being exposed to something "foreign." Our immune system recognizes this "foreign" or non-self cell and then attacks. A few days into the process, antibodies that are specific to that attack are made. This process is actually really cool, but it would take a lot to explain so I am not going to go into detail about how it happens. The bigger the attack, the bigger your bodies' immune response. Generally the bigger the response, the better immunity you will have to it later.

This process is the same whether you are vaccinated or acquire it by actually getting sick. The difference is in your immune response. The goal of vaccines is to get enough of an immune response to where you gain immunity without actually getting sick. The problem is because your bodies' immune response is not as big, this immunity does not last as long. This is why we have to have booster shots and get the flu shot every year.

Usually when we acquire this immunity by actually getting sick, the resulting immunity lasts for life. This is why H1N1 is not a problem for most individuals over 60. They were exposed to a similar virus when they were children. This immunity has lasted their lifetime. If they had received a vaccine instead of getting sick, they would not still have this immunity and they would be susceptible to it now. For this reason it is better to acquire immunity naturally.

On the other hand, for some people, it is not safe for them to get sick. Some peoples' immune systems are not strong enough to fight this big attack and they can die. Even in healthy individuals there is also a risk for secondary infections (sinus infections, pneumonia, etc.). For this reason, it is better to acquire immunity by vaccination.

Also in the case of the flu, there are many different strains. Each year, experts predict which 3 strains they believe will be the most prevalent and they create a vaccine against these strains. That means that first of all, even if you do receive a flu shot, there is still a chance that you can get another strain of the flu. Secondly, if you do not get the flu shot and you get sick with the flu, you only gain lasting immunity to that specific strain. You are still susceptible to the other strains. This is another reason, why we have to get flu shots every year, these prevalent strains can change.

So there are good and bad in both. Your decision should be based on what you want for your family. For me, I have chosen for my daughter to have all of her childhood vaccinations. Many of these diseases can be life-threatening and I don't think it is worth the risk. Last year, I did have her vaccinated for the flu. At this time she was about 9 months old. Her immune system was still developing and she was at higher risk from complications from the flu. Now that she is older and her immune system is stronger, I am not giving her the flu shot anymore. She has no underlying health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, etc.) so for her to get the flu now would not be a big deal. If I were due to have a baby during the flu season, I would have her vaccinated, as well as myself and my husband, so that we would not risk exposing a newborn. I am not really due until May, after the flu season is over so we are not worried about that. This is what my husband and I have decided is best for our family. 

You must decide what is best for your family.

H1N1 Vaccine

I think that the H1N1 flu (or swine flu) has been at the top of every one's health concerns lately so H1N1 vaccinations are going to be my first topic.

For some reason, this vaccine has been quite controversial. Many people are afraid to get it because they do not believe it to be safe. They don't believe that we have had time to test it and think that there may be side affects. I do not believe this to be the case. We have been manufacturing flu vaccines for years and they are completely safe and help prevent millions of people from getting the flu each year. H1N1 is just another strain of flu and the manufacturing of this vaccine is no different than what we have done in the past for the seasonal flu. The vaccine should be completely safe.

Many people have asked me whether or not I am going to have myself vaccinated. A couple of months ago, I would have said no. This is not because of any safety issues with the vaccine itself, but simply because I do not think that the swine flu is that big of a deal. It actually might be nice to get it and get immunity to it and be done with it. Now that I am pregnant, my answer is yes. The swine flu is much more dangerous to individuals who have some sort of immune deficiency, pregnancy included. I do plan to get the vaccine, but I am not going to go down to the health department and spend the night in a tent waiting in line for hours to get it. I am going to wait for all of the craziness and excitement to calm down and probably just get it from my doctor's office later when they hold a vaccination clinic.

Will I have my daughter vaccinated? Most likely not. She is a healthy child and although she is young, I don't think it would be a big deal if she came down with the swine flu. Like I said before, it might be nice for her get it, get immunity, and then not have to worry about it anymore.

Introduction

Hi Everybody! After years of family and friends calling me for advice I have decided that I should start a blog dedicated to the issues that you care about most. I am a microbiologist and have dedicated my career to studying infectious bacteria, viruses and fungi. I am firstly a stay at home mom though. I have a young toddler and another one on the way.

I am not a doctor and do not intend for any of my advice to be used for diagnosis or to replace a visit to the doctor. I simply wish to better inform you and give you the facts that you need to make better educated decisions about the health and well-being of your families. Doctors have a lot to learn and cram into a few years of education and training. They have a better overall knowledge of how the body works than I do. I have spent my education focused mostly on microorganisms and I feel I may have a better understanding of how they work compared to some doctors who only a spend a semester or two on microbiology.

My hope is that my knowledge as a microbiologist and a mom can give a unique perspective and hopefully better allow you and your doctor to make the best decisions for you and your families.

Please feel free to email me with questions, comments, or if you have a something specific that you would like me to post about: germmom[at]gmail[dot]com. I want this blog to be about what you want to hear so I appreciate the input!