Chloe Ramirez
Vaccines are a powerful tool in the fight against infectious diseases. They work by training the body's immune system to recognize and combat specific pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria. In doing so, vaccines provide a level of protection against infections, reducing the likelihood of contracting the disease and helping to prevent severe illness and hospitalizations. For example, the COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of critical illness and hospitalization by about 50% in adults in the first two months after vaccination. Similarly, the hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective in preventing perinatal infections in newborns, reducing the chances of chronic hepatitis B later in life. While no vaccine can offer 100% protection, they are a critical tool in public health, helping to protect individuals and communities from the most severe impacts of infectious diseases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 vaccine | Reduces the risk of critical illness by almost 70% in the first 2 months after vaccination for adults 18 and older |
| Reduces the risk of COVID-19 hospitalization by about 50% in the first 2 months after vaccination for adults 18 and older | |
| Reduces the risk of COVID-19 urgent care and emergency department visits by about 50% in the first 2 months after vaccination for adults 18 and older | |
| Reduces the risk of critical illness by about 67% in the first 2 months after vaccination for older adults | |
| Reduces the risk of COVID-19 hospitalization by about 50% in the first 2 months after vaccination for older adults | |
| Hepatitis B vaccine | Reduces the risk of chronic infection in newborns |
| RSV vaccine | Helps reduce the risk for severe illness in infants and older adults |
| Flu vaccine | Helps protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths from respiratory viruses |
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What You'll Learn
- COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of critical illness by 70% in adults in the first 2 months
- Vaccines reduce the risk of hospitalisation in adults by about 50% in the first 2 months
- Vaccines reduce the risk of Long COVID
- Vaccines reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation in children
- Vaccines train the immune system to fight COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of critical illness by 70% in adults in the first 2 months
Vaccines are safe and effective in protecting people from severe illness, hospitalisation, and death. The COVID-19 vaccines, in particular, train the immune system to fight off the infection by giving the body a set of instructions to make a harmless piece of the virus.
For adults aged 18 and older, the 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccines reduced the risk of critical illness from COVID-19 by almost 70% in the first 2 months after vaccination. This protection decreased over time, with the vaccines reducing critical illness risk by about 50% during the 10 months after vaccination.
The 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccines also reduced the risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation among older adults by about 50% in the first 2 months after vaccination. Again, protection decreased over time, with the vaccines reducing hospitalisation risk by about 30% during the 10 months after vaccination.
The 2025-2026 formula of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has also shown positive results in a Phase 3 clinical trial. The trial found a 4-fold increase in LP.8.1-neutralising antibody titers in adults aged 65 and older, as well as adults aged 18-64 with at least one underlying risk condition for severe COVID-19.
While serious health conditions as a result of COVID-19 vaccination are rare, there is a risk of side effects and allergic reactions, which can sometimes be severe. The most common side effects include pain at the injection site, muscle aches, tiredness, and fever.
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Vaccines reduce the risk of hospitalisation in adults by about 50% in the first 2 months
Vaccination is a critical tool in the fight against infectious diseases. In the context of COVID-19, vaccines have been shown to offer significant protection against severe illness and hospitalisation. Specifically, for adults aged 18 and older, the 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccines reduced the risk of hospitalisation by about 50% in the first two months after vaccination. This protection gradually decreased over time, with a 30% reduction in hospitalisation risk observed during the following ten months.
The effectiveness of vaccines in reducing the risk of hospitalisation is not limited to COVID-19. Vaccines for other respiratory viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are also available and recommended for certain at-risk groups. RSV can cause serious illness in older adults, particularly those with underlying medical conditions, and is a leading cause of hospitalisation in infants. Vaccination against RSV can reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation for these vulnerable populations.
It is important to note that while vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe disease, they may not completely block transmission of certain viruses like COVID-19. However, they do blunt transmission to some extent and reduce the occurrence of symptomatic infections. Additionally, vaccinated individuals who contract COVID-19 are less likely to experience Long COVID, a condition characterised by long-term health issues even after the initial infection has cleared.
The benefits of vaccination extend beyond individual protection. Vaccines also contribute to herd immunity, which helps protect vulnerable individuals who cannot get vaccinated due to medical reasons. By reducing the overall spread of infectious diseases, vaccines play a crucial role in safeguarding public health and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
While vaccination is generally safe, it is important to recognise that, as with any medical intervention, there is a small risk of side effects and allergic reactions. These side effects are typically mild and temporary, such as pain at the injection site, muscle aches, tiredness, or fever. Serious allergic reactions are rare but can include anaphylaxis, myocarditis, and pericarditis. Individuals with specific allergies or medical conditions should consult their healthcare providers to assess their suitability for vaccination and explore alternative options if necessary.
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Vaccines reduce the risk of Long COVID
Vaccines train your immune system to fight off COVID-19 infection. They give your body a set of instructions to make a harmless piece of the virus. Vaccines also help the body's immune system to eliminate the virus more quickly, reducing the likelihood that lingering viral particles are left behind.
Research has found that people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 have a lower risk of developing long COVID. A study by Dr Al-Aly found that the rate of new long COVID cases declined with each variant, and the numbers of cases were significantly lower in the vaccinated cohorts. About 70% of the decline was attributable to vaccination.
Another study by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) found that COVID-19 vaccines cut the risk of long COVID by 27%. The ECDC examined existing evidence around long COVID and found six out of seven high-quality studies reported a statistically significant reduction in the risk of long COVID for vaccinated adults compared to unvaccinated adults.
Vaccines reduce the risk of severe acute infections, which are linked to a greater risk of long COVID. They also reduce the likelihood of developing metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders, including diabetes and dyslipidemia, post-COVID.
The risk of long COVID is not static; it could continue to decline or potentially increase if more people choose to forgo vaccination. Therefore, keeping up with vaccinations will be very important for reducing the risk of long COVID.
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Vaccines reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation in children
Vaccines are a crucial tool in safeguarding children's health and well-being, significantly reducing the likelihood of severe illness and hospitalisation. By administering vaccines, we can protect children from a range of dangerous and potentially life-threatening diseases.
One of the most effective ways to prevent children from developing severe illnesses is through timely immunisation. Vaccines are designed to stimulate the body's immune response, preparing it to recognise and fight off specific diseases. This proactive approach ensures that children are equipped with the necessary defences before they encounter these diseases. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends various vaccines for children, including those for chickenpox, COVID-19, and influenza (flu).
For instance, the chickenpox vaccine is crucial for children who have never contracted the disease or received prior vaccination. Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to fever, headache, and an itchy, blistering rash. In more severe cases, it can cause infected sores, brain swelling, pneumonia, and even death, especially in babies, adolescents, and pregnant women. Vaccination serves as a safeguard against these severe complications.
Additionally, the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for children aged 6 months to 17 years, with parents encouraged to discuss the benefits with healthcare providers. COVID-19 is a contagious viral infection that may manifest as a cold or flu but can also lead to pneumonia, blood clots, organ damage, and Long COVID. Vaccination plays a vital role in mitigating the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation associated with this disease.
Furthermore, the flu vaccine is an essential annual preventive measure for children aged 6 months and older. Influenza is a contagious viral infection that can affect the nose, throat, and lungs. It may cause complications such as pneumonia, sinus and ear infections, and can even be life-threatening. Vaccination helps to reduce the chances of children developing severe flu symptoms that necessitate hospitalisation.
Beyond these examples, vaccines are available for a range of other diseases, including hepatitis A, rotavirus, and measles. Vaccines provide children with immunity and protection against severe illnesses, reducing the need for hospitalisation. They are a crucial tool in safeguarding children's health and ensuring their overall well-being.
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Vaccines train the immune system to fight COVID-19
Vaccines are designed to train the immune system to fight COVID-19. They work by giving the body a set of instructions to create a harmless piece of the virus. This way, the body can learn to recognise and defend itself against the virus without the risk of severe illness.
The COVID-19 vaccine has been proven to reduce the risk of infection and severe illness. For adults aged 18 and older, the 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccines reduced the risk of critical illness from COVID-19 by almost 70% in the first 2 months after vaccination. Protection decreased over time, and during the 10 months after vaccination, the vaccines reduced the critical illness risk by about 50%. The vaccines also reduced the risk of hospitalisation by about 50% in the first 2 months, and by about 30% during the 10 months after vaccination.
The vaccine also helps protect people from the long-term health issues associated with COVID-19, also known as Long COVID. People who are vaccinated and later get infected with COVID-19 are less likely to experience Long COVID compared to those who are unvaccinated.
The COVID-19 vaccine is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of getting severely ill, such as older people, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women. Vaccines are also essential for those who are at higher risk of exposure to respiratory illnesses, including healthcare workers.
While the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of infection and severe illness, it does not guarantee that a person will never get COVID-19. However, it does mean that they are more likely to stay healthy and continue their daily activities without interruption.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine reduces the risk of infection. The vaccines train your immune system to fight off a COVID-19 infection.
For adults aged 18 and older, the 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccines reduced the risk of critical illness from COVID-19 by almost 70% in the first 2 months after vaccination. Protection decreased over time. During the 10 months after vaccination, the vaccines reduced critical illness risk by about 50%.
Any vaccine or medication has a risk of side effects and allergic reactions, which can sometimes be severe. The most common risk of getting a COVID vaccine is experiencing unpleasant but harmless side effects such as pain where you got the injection and muscle aches. Serious health conditions as a result of the COVID vaccination are very rare.
The COVID-19 vaccine is highly recommended and remains the best protection against hospitalization. It is beneficial for pregnant women in terms of reducing COVID.
