Diseases and Vaccines

Health and medicine are an essential part of science and technology.
Understanding diseases and their vaccines is not just important for personal awareness but also a frequent topic in competitive exams under the General Science / Static GK section.

This article covers common diseases, their causes, preventive vaccines, and some key facts for exams.

“Diseases and Vaccines” is one of the most important Static GK topics for competitive exams like SSC, Railways, Defence, UPSC, Banking, and other state-level exams.

Here’s a detailed, easy-to-understand article in simple English, written specially for Static GK and current affairs revision

What is a Disease?

A disease is a condition that affects the normal functioning of the body.
It can be caused by microorganisms (germs) such as:

  • Bacteria (e.g., Tuberculosis, Typhoid)
  • Viruses (e.g., COVID-19, Measles, Influenza)
  • Protozoa (e.g., Malaria)
  • Fungi (e.g., Ringworm)

Diseases can be infectious (communicable) or non-infectious (non-communicable).

What is a Vaccine?

A vaccine is a biological preparation that helps the body develop immunity against a specific disease.
It contains weakened or inactive parts of a microorganism (like a virus or bacteria) that trigger the body to produce antibodies.

 Purpose of Vaccines:

  • Prevent infectious diseases
  • Build long-term immunity
  • Reduce spread of epidemics

Types of Diseases & Their Vaccines

Disease NameCaused ByTypeVaccine Name / Prevention
COVID-19Virus (Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2)ViralCovishield, Covaxin, Sputnik V
Tuberculosis (TB)Bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)BacterialBCG Vaccine
PolioVirusViralOPV (Oral Polio Vaccine), IPV (Injectable Polio Vaccine)
MeaslesVirusViralMMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
MumpsVirusViralMMR Vaccine
Rubella (German Measles)VirusViralMMR Vaccine
TetanusBacteria (Clostridium tetani)BacterialTT / Tdap Vaccine
DiphtheriaBacteriaBacterialDPT Vaccine (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus)
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)BacteriaBacterialDPT Vaccine
TyphoidBacteria (Salmonella typhi)BacterialTyphoid Vaccine (Typhim Vi)
CholeraBacteria (Vibrio cholerae)BacterialCholera Vaccine
Influenza (Flu)VirusViralFlu Vaccine (updated annually)
Hepatitis AVirusViralHepatitis A Vaccine
Hepatitis BVirusViralHepatitis B Vaccine
RabiesVirusViralRabies Vaccine (post-bite prevention)
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)VirusViralCervarix / Gardasil Vaccine
Japanese EncephalitisVirusViralJE Vaccine
MalariaProtozoa (Plasmodium)ParasiticRTS,S (Mosquirix) Vaccine (newly developed)
SmallpoxVirusViralSmallpox Vaccine (Eradicated disease)
ChickenpoxVirusViralVaricella Vaccine
PneumoniaBacteria/VirusBothPCV (Pneumococcal Vaccine)
Rotavirus DiarrheaVirusViralRotavirus Vaccine
Yellow FeverVirusViralYellow Fever Vaccine (required for travelers)

Quick Static GK Facts

  • BCG Vaccine – given at birth for Tuberculosis.
  • Polio Vaccine (OPV) – discovered by Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin.
  • Smallpox – first disease eradicated globally through vaccination (1980).
  • Edward Jenner – discovered the first vaccine (for Smallpox) in 1796.
  • COVID-19 Vaccines – developed at record speed in 2020–21.
  • Hepatitis B – the first vaccine produced using recombinant DNA technology.
  • RTS,S (Mosquirix) – world’s first malaria vaccine, approved by WHO.

Categories of Diseases for Exam Preparation

CategoryExamplesVaccine Available?
ViralCOVID-19, Polio, Measles, Hepatitis, Rabies✅ Yes
BacterialTB, Tetanus, Typhoid, Cholera, Diphtheria✅ Yes
ParasiticMalaria✅ Yes (New)
Non-CommunicableCancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease❌ No (Prevention via lifestyle)

Vaccine Schedule in India (for General Awareness)

The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in India provides free vaccines for infants, children, and pregnant women.

Common Vaccines Under UIP

  • BCG (Tuberculosis)
  • OPV (Polio)
  • DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Measles-Rubella (MR)
  • Rotavirus
  • Pneumococcal (PCV)
  • Japanese Encephalitis (JE)

Summary

Vaccines are one of the greatest achievements of medical science.
They have saved millions of lives by preventing deadly diseases like smallpox, polio, and measles.
India’s vaccination programs, supported by organizations like WHO and UNICEF, continue to play a vital role in public health and disease control.

“Prevention is better than cure — and vaccines are the best prevention we have.”

Key Exam Takeaways

  • First vaccine ever: Smallpox (Edward Jenner, 1796)
  • First disease eradicated: Smallpox (1980)
  • New Indian missions: Mission Indradhanush – to ensure full immunization coverage
  • COVID-19 vaccines in India: Covishield (Serum Institute), Covaxin (Bharat Biotech)
  • Malaria vaccine name: Mosquirix (RTS,S)