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News18
5 days ago
- Health
- News18
Vaccines for Women: What To Know At Every Stage From Teens To Pregnancy And Menopause
Whether you're a teenager, planning a pregnancy, or in your golden years, the right immunizations can prevent life-altering illnesses and help you stay healthy for the long run. Vaccinations are not just for children, they're a lifelong shield for women's health. From the day a girl is born, through her teen years, during pregnancy, and well into menopause, the right immunizations can protect against serious, preventable diseases. They safeguard not only the woman herself but also her family and future generations. Dr Chhavi Gupta, Principal Consultant, Department of Infectious Disease, Adult Immunization and Travel Medicine, Yashoda Medicity & Kaushambi, Ghaziabad shares all you need to know: From Birth Onward A girl's vaccination journey begins immediately after birth, following the National Immunization Plan. In infancy and early childhood, key vaccines include BCG, Polio, DPT, Hepatitis B, and more forming the foundation of lifelong immunity. Teen Years Adolescence is the time to build extra layers of protection before adulthood: HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine – Protects against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. Ideally given between ages 9–11, before sexual activity begins. Studies show it's effective up to age 45, especially for those never vaccinated before. Pregnancy During pregnancy, vaccines protect both mother and baby: Influenza Vaccine – Prevents severe flu illness during pregnancy; safe in any trimester. Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis) – Given between 35–37 weeks, protects newborns from potentially fatal whooping cough. Rubella (MMR) Vaccine – Essential before conception if not received in childhood; prevents birth defects caused by rubella infection. Menopause and Beyond With age, immunity can decline, and infection risks rise: Pneumococcal Vaccine – Prevents pneumonia and serious bloodstream infections; recommended at 65+, or earlier for those with chronic conditions. Annual Influenza Vaccine – Vital for women over 50 to avoid severe flu complications. Shingrix (Shingles/Herpes Zoster Vaccine) – Protects against shingles; recommended for adults 50+, even if they've had shingles before. May also offer cardiovascular and neurological benefits. The Bottom Line Staying updated on vaccines is one of the most effective, proactive steps a woman can take for her health. Whether you're a teenager, planning a pregnancy, or in your golden years, the right immunizations can prevent life-altering illnesses and help you stay healthy for the long run. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Independent
30-01-2025
- Health
- The Independent
MPs sound alarm over 'very serious risk' of new pandemic from animal fur trade
Dozens of MPs and peers have raised the alarm over 'a very serious risk to public health' from the trade in real fur after viruses with a high risk of spreading to humans were found on Chinese fur farms. More than 40 politicians have warned the government that fur farm practices could spark future pandemics by allowing new pathogens to emerge, according to eminent scientists. In particular, outbreaks of bird flu on hundreds of European fur farms pose similar risks to human health, the MPs and peers say. In the US, one person has died of bird flu after it mutated and spread to cattle, prompting California to declare an emergency. Under Boris Johnson when he was prime minister, the Conservatives dropped plans to ban imports and sales of fur. They also failed to release the 30,000 responses to a formal call for evidence on the fur trade in Britain. Labour have also stalled on a pre-election promise to ban fur. In a letter to environment secretary Steve Reed, the cross-party group of 42 MPs and peers call for government backing for a new bill banning fur, and cite a recent study that concluded fur farms pose a 'clear epidemic or pandemic risk' and 'an obvious route [for the] next pandemic to occur'. The authors of the letter, which claims the UK is 'outsourcing suffering', state: 'The fur trade is not only an affront to animal welfare [but also] recent scientific investigations demonstrate that this industry presents a very serious risk to public health. 'Eminent virologists, including from the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London, have recently issued grave warnings that the species involved and the conditions typical on fur farms make the practice highly conducive to the creation and spread of novel pathogens, and concluded that fur farming increase[s] the likelihood of future pandemics.' A study published in Nature in September on viruses found on Chinese fur farms identified 39 viruses as 'high risk' for the potential to spread to humans, including 13 potentially high-risk novel viruses, the letter warns. In 2023, Imperial College London virologists urged that 'fur farming, particularly mink, be eliminated in the interest of pandemic preparedness'. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, millions of mink in Denmark, the world's second-biggest producer of the animal fur, were culled because they are infected with coronavirus. In all, outbreaks of both Covid and bird flu on 540 European fur farms led to the killing of 20 million animals whose bodies were disposed of. In June 2023, Labour's then shadow environment minister, Alex Sobel, said: 'A Labour Government would take the necessary action on the importation of fur into Britain. We are committed to this... A Labour Britain will be a compassionate, fur-free Britain.' MP Ruth Jones, whose private member's bill banning fur is set to have its second reading in Parliament in June, said: 'Fur belongs on animals, not bobble hats. 'Public sentiment against the awful fur trade is so strong, I hope the government are listening to that and to the virologists warning us to stop fur farms before they incubate the next pandemic.' It's understood the government will set out its formal position on the bill when it is debated and that ministers are awaiting a report by the Animal Welfare Committee, commissioned under the Conservatives, on 'responsible sourcing' of fur. Signatories to the letter include Baroness Redfern and MP Bob Blackman. HMRC records show that almost £40m of fur was imported to the UK in 2023 from countries including China, Finland, Spain, Greece and Poland.
