Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Protecting Lives Through Immunization
For over a century, vaccines have saved millions of lives worldwide. However, vaccine-preventable diseases are re-emerging in communities. In the Philippines, outbreaks of influenza, measles, and other infections still occur. Vaccination remains one of the most effective and affordable ways to protect yourself, your family, and your employees. At Affinity Vaccines, we believe prevention is not just a choice — it is a shared responsibility.
What Are Vaccine-Preventable Diseases?
Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) are infections that you can avoid or greatly reduce through immunization. Viruses or bacteria cause these diseases. If left unchecked, they can lead to severe illness, disability, or death.
Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight pathogens before they cause harm. When most people get vaccinated, the disease spreads less — protecting even those who cannot get vaccinated, such as newborns or people with weak immune systems. This effect is known as herd immunity.
How Vaccines Work — In Simple Terms
Our immune system has a remarkable memory. A vaccine introduces a safe, weakened, killed, or partial form of the germ. This “practice run” trains immune cells to recognize the pathogen.
Later, if the person encounters the real infection, the immune system reacts quickly and often prevents illness.
There are several types of vaccines:
Live-attenuated vaccines (e.g., MMR) use weakened viruses.
Inactivated vaccines (e.g., influenza, hepatitis A) contain killed pathogens.
Subunit or conjugate vaccines (e.g., HPV, pneumococcal) include only specific parts of the germ.
mRNA vaccines (e.g., COVID-19) provide instructions for cells to make harmless viral proteins that trigger immunity.
Regulatory agencies such as the DOH, WHO, and CDC carefully test each vaccine for safety, stability, and effectiveness.
Why Vaccines Still Matter in the Philippines
Some Filipinos believe vaccines are only for children. In truth, immunization is a lifelong need. Adults need regular vaccines to maintain immunity, protect against new strains, and prevent disease spread at work and home.
In tropical countries like the Philippines, influenza, typhoid fever, and hepatitis remain common. Urban crowding, international travel, and low vaccination rates have allowed some diseases, like measles, to resurface. Consistent vaccination can control and eventually eliminate these diseases.
Common Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in the Philippines
Vaccines are one of the most effective tools in public health. They prevent millions of deaths every year. This guide explains common vaccine-preventable diseases and the vaccines that protect against them.
Influenza (Flu)
Influenza is a contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, and contact with contaminated surfaces.
The flu can cause high fever, body aches, and fatigue. It may lead to pneumonia and hospitalization, especially for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses.
Everyone aged six months and older should get an annual flu shot. Vaccines are updated each year to match circulating flu strains.
Hepatitis A and B
Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food or water, while Hepatitis B spreads through blood and body fluids.
Both types inflame the liver, causing jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
- Hepatitis A: Two doses, six months apart.
- Hepatitis B: Three doses for lifelong protection.
Typhoid Fever
Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. It spreads through contaminated food and water.
Typhoid can cause prolonged fever, weakness, and abdominal pain. If untreated, it may be fatal. It remains common in the Philippines.
Injected or oral typhoid vaccines protect for up to three years. They are especially recommended for travelers and food handlers.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)
These three diseases are prevented by one combined vaccine:
- Tetanus: Infection from wounds contaminated with soil or dust bacteria.
- Diphtheria: Respiratory infection that can block airways.
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Severe cough dangerous for infants.
- Primary series in childhood, followed by adult booster every 10 years.
- Pregnant women should get Tdap each pregnancy to protect newborns.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
These viral diseases caused widespread outbreaks before vaccines were available.
- Measles: Can cause pneumonia and brain inflammation.
- Mumps: Swelling of salivary glands, sometimes causing infertility.
- Rubella: Dangerous during pregnancy and can cause birth defects.
Two doses in childhood provide long-term immunity. Adults who have not been vaccinated should also get immunized.
Pneumococcal Disease
Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, it can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
This disease is a leading cause of death in children under five and older adults.
- PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines protect against multiple strains.
- Recommended for infants, seniors, and people with chronic conditions.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus linked to cervical cancer and genital warts.
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains causes nearly all cervical cancer cases.
- Two doses for children aged 9–14; three doses for older teens and adults.
- Also recommended for men to prevent oral and anal cancers.
Meningococcal Disease
Caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, it spreads through respiratory droplets.
It can cause meningitis and sepsis, which may become life-threatening quickly.
A single dose protects adolescents, travelers, and individuals in dormitories or military camps where close contact spreads infection.
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Chickenpox is highly contagious and spreads through droplets or direct contact with fluid from blisters.
While mild in children, chickenpox can cause pneumonia, encephalitis, and skin infections in adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. It can also reactivate later as shingles.
Two doses provide long-term immunity. Recommended for children, healthcare workers, and adults who have never had chickenpox.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
After recovering from chickenpox, the virus may remain dormant and later reactivate as shingles — a painful rash that usually appears on one side of the body or face.
Shingles can cause prolonged nerve pain, vision problems if it affects the eyes, and long-lasting discomfort.
Recommended for adults aged 50 and older. It strengthens immunity and lowers the risk of long-term nerve pain.
Dengue
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted by Aedes aegypti. It spreads rapidly in the Philippines.
Dengue causes fever, muscle and joint pain, rash, and in severe cases, bleeding and organ failure. Yearly outbreaks occur, especially in the rainy season.
No dengue vaccine is widely available yet. Dengvaxia was halted due to safety concerns. Qdenga (TAK-003) is approved by WHO for certain children internationally, but not yet widely used in the Philippines.
Until vaccines are fully available, mosquito control — removing breeding sites, using repellents, and wearing protective clothing — remains essential.