Vaccines prevent diseases that can be dangerous, or even deadly, before you come into contact with them.  It uses your body’s natural defences to build resistance to specific infections and makes your immune system stronger^1,2.

Vaccines train your immune system to create antibodies, just as it does when it is exposed to a disease. However, because vaccines contain only killed or weakened forms of germs like viruses or bacteria, they do not cause the disease or put you at risk of its complications².

Throughout our history, viruses like smallpox and influenza have killed hundreds of millions of people. So when it was discovered that the body could be armed ahead of time to fight the invader by inoculation with a vaccine, it was hailed as a breakthrough³.

Since then, vaccines have repeatedly confirmed their place as one of the greatest public health advancements of all time. And their widespread use has resulted in the control, elimination, or near-elimination of many infectious diseases that were once pervasive and often fatal. 

At Pfizer, we have a long history in vaccine research and development, including a pivotal role in the eradication of polio and smallpox. Through the development of innovative delivery systems and technologies (the term often used is “novel vaccines”), we have created innovations for preventing deadly bacterial infections like those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis.

Today, more than at any time in history, people of all ages, from new borns to seniors are benefiting from vaccines to prevent infections and diseases.

In an ageing population with a high burden of vaccine-preventable diseases such as pneumococcal pneumonia, vaccines are equally as important in adults as they are in children. Older adults have a far higher risk of contracting infections and severe complications than younger people, and their impact is often greater, with poorer outcomes⁴.

Check out our vaccination journal to learn more about how you can protect yourself and your loved ones against vaccine-preventable diseases. Bring it with you to health checks and ask your doctor to fill the information for each vaccine you receive. That way, you can keep an accurate and up-to-date immunization record.

You can also visit PreventPneumonia to find out more about pneumococcal pneumonia and the importance of immunization among the public.

Babies are born with immune systems that can fight most germs, but there are some deadly diseases they can’t handle. That is why they need vaccines to strengthen their immune system⁶. The Ministry of Health Malaysia recommends parents to vaccinate their children according to the National immunization Schedule⁷. It is understandable that you will have some questions about vaccines, and with so much information (even, sometimes incorrect information) available today, learning the facts before making health decisions for your little one is very important⁶.

Children who missed their shots should still get vaccinated⁸ as they can be infected by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis^{9 10}. The number of doses recommended and the intervals between doses will depend on the child’s age when vaccination begins⁸. It is never too late to catch up if they have not been vaccinated before.

Pfizer Malaysia has also developed a parents’ guidebook as your companion on your greatest adventure. Check it out now for baby essentials checklist, useful parenting hacks, FAQs about immunization and more!

Please consult your doctor today at any public hospitals, private health facilities, or online to find out more about how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from vaccine-preventable diseases such as pneumococcal and meningococcal.