Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to safeguard your family from serious illnesses. Nowadays, there are many different types available, so it’s easy to feel uncertain about which ones are truly necessary or when to schedule them. This confusion can sometimes lead to delays, especially if no one in the household is currently sick.
However, waiting until illness strikes can leave your family vulnerable. Vaccines provide the strongest protection when given in advance, creating immunity that helps prevent infections before they take hold. Beyond individual health, they play a crucial role in reducing the spread of diseases within your home and community, ensuring a safer environment for everyone. From children to seniors, everyone in the family can benefit from timely immunizations against common and potentially life-threatening diseases.
This article will walk you through several essential vaccines worth prioritizing for your family’s long-term health and safety.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
Flu season returns each year with new virus strains, making annual vaccination essential for protection. The influenza vaccine is reformulated each year to target the most common circulating strains, making it especially important for young children, older adults, and anyone with chronic conditions.
Even if you’re generally healthy, the flu can lead to complications like pneumonia or prolonged recovery that can disrupt your daily life. Annual vaccination lowers the risk of severe illness and prevents spreading the virus at home. Supporting your immune system with daily vitamin C supplements can further strengthen your defenses during flu season.
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Vaccine
Outbreaks of measles still happen in the Philippines, often due to gaps in vaccination coverage. This is especially concerning given how contagious measles is, spreading through the air and lingering for hours. Mumps and rubella may not make headlines as often, but both can lead to complications like hearing loss, meningitis, or congenital disabilities if passed to pregnant women.
The MMR vaccine is typically given in two doses during childhood, but it’s never too late to catch up. If you're unsure about your family’s vaccination history, a quick consultation with your doctor can help you stay on track and avoid unnecessary risks.
COVID-19 Vaccine and Boosters
While pandemic restrictions have eased, COVID-19 hasn’t disappeared and neither has the need for protection. COVID-19 vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and long-term complications, especially in older adults and people with underlying conditions.
If it’s been several months since your last dose, you may be due for a booster. Staying up to date with recommended shots helps strengthen your body’s immune response and keeps transmission rates low. After vaccination, it’s a good idea to have a digital thermometer on hand to monitor for fever or other mild side effects.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine
A deep cut from a rusty nail might prompt you to think about tetanus, but this vaccine does more than protect against injuries. It also guards against diphtheria, a respiratory illness that can block airways, and pertussis or whooping cough, which is particularly dangerous for infants.
Tdap is recommended for adolescents and adults, with boosters needed every ten years. Pregnant women are also advised to get vaccinated during each pregnancy to pass on antibodies to their babies. Mild soreness after the shot is a common side effect but this can be managed with paracetamol and rest.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
You don’t need to feel sick to be carrying hepatitis B. This viral infection can quietly damage the liver for years before symptoms appear, increasing the risk of cirrhosis or liver cancer over time. Because it spreads through blood and bodily fluids, early vaccination offers critical protection not just for the individual, but for everyone they come into contact with.
The hepatitis B vaccine is part of the routine immunization schedule for infants, but adults who missed it can still catch up. Staying protected means fewer long-term health risks and greater peace of mind for your entire household.
Pneumococcal (PCV/PPSV23) Vaccine
More than just a seasonal concern, pneumonia can be life-threatening, particularly for young children, older adults, and people with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. The pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent serious infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can also lead to meningitis or bloodstream infections.
There are two main types of this vaccine, and your doctor can recommend the right one based on your age and health history. For added protection, particularly during the rainy season, maintaining a strong immune system with the help of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc, is recommended.
Anti-Rabies Vaccine
A playful nip from a pet may seem harmless, but rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. In the Philippines, where dogs are common household companions, the risk is real enough to take seriously, especially for children who may not report bites or scratches right away.
The anti-rabies vaccine is recommended both as post-exposure treatment and as a preventive measure for those with frequent animal contact (e.g., veterinarians). If someone in your family is bitten, wash the wound using antibacterial soap at once, get vaccinated, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Vaccines play a vital role in keeping your family healthy, lowering the risk of preventable diseases before they become serious concerns. With a little planning today, you can prevent illness and enjoy greater peace of mind in the future. Keep in mind that while this guide highlights essential immunizations, it’s always best to consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Ready to take the next step in protecting your family? Find out how Southstar Drug’s “Get Vaccinated” Program can help. Visit a branch nearest you or explore our website for details.
