19th March 2025

Vaccines Explained: Why They’re Key to Preventative Health

Vaccination has been one of the greatest achievements in modern medicine, helping to prevent diseases that once caused severe illness, lifelong complications, and even death. However, in recent years, public confidence in vaccines has been shaken, and many Australians have found themselves questioning their necessity.

As pharmacists, we understand these concerns and recognise the importance of addressing them with understanding and evidence-based information. We are going to take a step back, to revisit the fundamentals of vaccination, explore its evolution, and highlight its importance in preventative health.

What Are Vaccines and How Do They Work?

Vaccines work by training the body’ immune system to recognise and fight specific infections. They contain harmless components of a virus or bacteria (such as proteins or weakened/inactivated forms of the pathogen), which trigger an immune response without causing illness. This helps the body develop memory cells that will recognise and respond quickly if exposed to the real infection in the future.

Think of vaccines as a fire drill for your immune system. By being exposed to a simulated version of the threat, your body learns how to respond effectively when faced with the real thing, minimising the risk of severe illness.

The Evolution of Vaccines

Vaccination has a long and fascinating history. The first recorded example of immunisation dates back to the 18th century, when Edward Jenner discovered that exposure to cowpox could protect against smallpox, a deadly disease that claimed millions of lives. This breakthrough paved the way for the development of vaccines as we know them today.

Over the years, vaccines have continued to evolve. The 20th century saw the development of life-saving vaccines against diseases such as polio, measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria. These vaccines dramatically reduced the prevalence of these illnesses, saving millions of lives worldwide.

Today, advancements in science and technology allow for the development of highly targeted and safer vaccines, including mRNA vaccines, which have been instrumental in fighting The ongoing research in vaccine development means that we can continue to protect against emerging threats and improve overall public health.

Why Vaccines Are Essential for Preventative Health in Australia

Protecting Individuals and Communities

Vaccination doesn’t just protect the individual receiving the shot—it also safeguards the broader community. This concept, known as herd immunity, occurs when a large percentage of the population is immunised, reducing the spread of disease and protecting those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions or age (such as newborns or immunocompromised individuals).

Diseases like measles and whooping cough, which were once under control, have seen a resurgence in some communities due to declining vaccination rates. By staying up to date with vaccinations, we can prevent outbreaks and protect our most vulnerable populations.

Preventing Serious Illness and Complications

Vaccines are designed to prevent diseases that can cause serious complications or long-term health issues. For example:

The (also known as influenza) helps prevent severe influenza infections that can lead to pneumonia, hospitalisation, and even death, particularly in older adults and those with chronic illnesses.¹
Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a serious disease of the airways. It can lead to pneumonia, brain damage and sometimes death. It is especially serious for babies but can affect people at any age.² Pertussis-containing vaccines are only available in Australia as combination vaccines that include other antigens such as diphtheria and tetanus. ³
The HPV vaccine protects against human papillomavirus, which can lead to cervical cancer and other cancers.⁴
The shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine is a highly effective, non-live vaccine that reduces the incidence of shingles and its potentially painful, long-lasting complications.^{5, 6}
The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against bacterial pneumonia and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain), both of which can be life-threatening. It is especially serious for young children and older people.⁷

By choosing to vaccinate, individuals reduce their risk of severe illness and long-term health complications, ultimately improving quality of life.

Reducing the Burden on the Healthcare System

Preventing diseases through vaccination reduces the strain on hospitals and healthcare facilities. This was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when vaccines helped reduce the severity of illness, lowering hospitalisation rates and allowing the healthcare system to manage resources more effectively.

Routine vaccinations also prevent outbreaks that can overwhelm emergency rooms, as seen in cases of influenza and whooping cough. By prioritising vaccinations, we can ensure that our healthcare system remains functional and accessible for those who need it most.

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy with Compassion

In recent years, there has been a rise in vaccine hesitancy fuelled by misinformation, fear, and distrust. As pharmacists we acknowledge these concerns and understand with no judgment. We understand that many people who are hesitant about vaccines are simply seeking reassurance and reliable information.

Common Concerns and Evidence-Based Responses

“Are vaccines safe?” Yes, vaccines undergo rigorous testing and monitoring before they are approved for public use. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) ensures that vaccines meet the highest safety and efficacy standards. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as a sore arm or mild fever, whereas severe reactions are extremely rare.
“Do vaccines cause long-term health problems?” There is no credible scientific evidence linking vaccines to long-term health problems. Myths, such as the false claim that vaccines cause autism, have been thoroughly debunked by extensive research. In reality, vaccines protect against diseases that can cause long-term complications, such as brain damage from measles or paralysis from polio.
“Why should I get vaccinated if others are already immune?” Herd immunity works only when a high percentage of the population is vaccinated. When vaccine coverage drops, outbreaks can occur, putting everyone at risk. Even if a disease seems rare, it can quickly return if vaccination rates decline.

How Your Pharmacist Can Help?

As one of the most accessible healthcare professionals, pharmacists play a crucial role in vaccine education and administration. If you have concerns or questions about vaccines, your local pharmacist can:

Provide reliable, evidence-based information.
Address concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness.
Administer routine vaccinations such as the flu, COVID-19, and travel vaccines.
Help you stay up to date with recommended vaccinations based on age, health conditions, and lifestyle factors.

Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in protecting individual and public health. While it’s natural to have questions or concerns, it’s important to rely on trusted sources and healthcare professionals for accurate information.

As pharmacists, we are here to support you on your health journey, providing guidance and reassurance to help you make informed decisions. Vaccination is not just about individual protection—it’s a collective effort to keep our communities safe and healthy for generations to come.

If you’re unsure about which vaccines you need or have any concerns, visit your local pharmacist for a conversation or book an appointment. Together, we can go back to the basics, rebuild trust in vaccinations, and continue protecting our communities from preventable diseases.

If you have any questions about vaccines or need guidance on which immunisations are recommended for you, speak to your local pharmacist today. Visit your local IPA pharmacy to access trusted advice, evidence-based information, and convenient vaccination services.

Find your nearest IPA pharmacy [https://independentpharmacies.com.au/store-locator]
Book a vaccination [https://independentpharmacies.com.au/health-service/vaccinations/]
Learn more about immunisation and preventative health:

[https://independentpharmacies.com.au/health-information/#category=vaccinations]

Stay informed, stay protected, and let’s work together for a healthier Australia.

Additional Information:

Vaccinations by qualified IPA pharmacists: https://independentpharmacies.com.au/health-service/vaccinations/

Flu vaccinations at your local IPA pharmacy: https://independentpharmacies.com.au/health-service/flu-vaccinations/

National Immunisation Program Schedule: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/when-to-get-vaccinated/national-immunisation-program-schedule

Immunisation for pregnancy: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/when-to-get-vaccinated/immunisation-for-pregnancy

Shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/shingles-herpes-zoster-immunisation-service

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