Do you remember the recent global outbreak of Monkeypox (mpox)? Along with that, we were also reminded of the somewhat forgotten but very dangerous Smallpox. So, in this article, we are going to talk about a special vaccine that helps protect our bodies from both of these diseases. This vaccine is known by the brand name JYNNEOS. Let’s see what it does, who it is given to, and what we need to know about it.
What actually happens with this vaccine?
Simply put, this vaccine trains your body's immune system to recognize and fight both the smallpox and monkeypox viruses. It's like giving an army information about an enemy before it arrives, preparing it for battle.
This means that if one of these viruses enters your body in the future, your immune system will be able to fight it off quickly and successfully.
The most important thing is: This is not a medicine given after the disease has developed. This is a preventive vaccine given to reduce the risk of developing the disease and to reduce the severity of symptoms if you do develop it. This means that even if you get the vaccine, there is a very rare chance that you will develop the disease. But if you do, the symptoms will be much less severe, or you will recover quickly.
Things to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
Before receiving this vaccine, it is essential to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to mention these points in particular.
- Whether you have an allergic reaction to this vaccine or any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- Do you have a weakened immune system ? (For example, HIV infection, cancer treatment, or other medications that suppress the immune system).
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a nursing mother .
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether or not it is appropriate for you to receive this vaccine.
How is the vaccine given?
This is not a medicine you can take home. This vaccine is given in a hospital or clinic by a trained doctor or nurse. It is usually given as an injection under the skin .
To get full protection from this vaccine, you need to get two doses (2 doses) . After taking the first dose, you must get the second dose on the day your doctor tells you. So don't forget the day you need to get the second dose. If you can't go on that day, call your doctor immediately and reschedule. This is very important.
Before each vaccine is given, you will be given a leaflet (Vaccine Information Statement) that contains information about it. Always read it carefully.
Do you give this to young children?
Special care should be taken when administering this vaccine to children. Therefore, if your child needs this vaccine, talk to your doctor about it and follow his or her instructions.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is unlikely to happen as it is given by a doctor. However, if you think you have taken too much of the vaccine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital immediately, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What are the things to be careful about after getting vaccinated?
After getting the vaccine, pay close attention to any changes in your body.
In particular, there have been reports of inflammation of the heart after receiving the smallpox vaccine. It is not known for sure whether the same thing will happen with the Monkeypox vaccine, but it is important to be aware of it.
Tell your doctor immediately if you feel unusually tired , have difficulty breathing , have chest pain , feel dizzy , have a fast or irregular heartbeat , have a fever , have joint pain , or have swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands .
Young men, in particular, are advised to consider waiting 4 weeks after receiving this vaccine before receiving the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, as they may be at slightly increased risk of developing heart inflammation, or ``Myocarditis''.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any vaccine, this one can cause minor side effects. Most of them are not serious and will subside in a day or two. But there are some things we need to be especially careful about.
| Nature of the side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Symptoms such as skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. These can be very serious. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Changes at the injection site | Redness, pain, swelling, or skin discoloration at the injection site. Sometimes there may be some hardening at the injection site. |
| Body discomfort | Headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, please inform your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- This vaccine is a preventive vaccine given to reduce the risk of developing smallpox (smallpox) and monkeypox (mpox), not a cure for the disease.
- To receive the full protection of the vaccine, it is essential to receive both doses within the prescribed time interval.
- Before getting the vaccine , be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses, allergies, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you experience any serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, extreme fatigue, or facial swelling after receiving the vaccine, seek medical advice immediately.
- Minor side effects usually go away in a few days, but if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor about them.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න