August marks the end of summer, prep for the new school year, and the start of cold and flu season in America. In addition, August is National Immunization Month, drawing attention to immunization. Vaccines protect people of all ages.
The Debates Over Vaccinations
There are many debates around the safety of vaccinations. Governments worldwide recognize the opinions of leading scientists and medical professionals and overwhelmingly support immunization. Unfortunately, the growing voice of the anti-vaccine supporters (and other factors) has decreased the number of people vaccinated. Thus it is not surprising to learn that some diseases previously eliminated are on the rise again.
Vaccines undergo testing before healthcare workers can provide them to the public. These tests ensure safety and determine the efficiency of each vaccine.
Protecting Our Children Through Immunization
Most pediatricians recommend routine vaccinations throughout childhood to reach immunity before exposure to potentially harmful diseases. Some common vaccines are given more than once to build immunity. Vaccines for chickenpox, influenza, measles, mumps, and rubella are some of the most common multiple-dose vaccines.
School age children are at a higher risk of exposure during the school year. Building immunity to harmful diseases helps decrease the number of children that get sick.
Protecting the Community Through Immunization
Vaccines also help protect elderly health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the shingles vaccine for healthy individuals 50 and older. Protection from shingles lasts for about five years. The same virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. Individuals who had chickenpox in the past are at risk of the virus lying dormant and causing shingles later in life.
Along with helping individuals build immunity, vaccines also help protect those who are unable to receive a vaccine. The term “herd immunity” references the effect of the majority of a community being immune to a disease, causing a lower risk for all individuals of that community. As a result, even individuals who are unable to receive a vaccine are at a lower risk.
National Immunization Awareness Month 2022
National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC) sponsors National Immunization Awareness Month. It is observed in August across the USA each August. The campaign raises awareness of the importance of vaccinating people of all ages against several severe and sometimes deadly diseases. This Awareness Month also celebrates the successes of vaccines created in the 20th century and beyond.
The National Public Health Information Coalition works with the CDC to develop a communication toolkit for communities, schools, and workplaces each year. Both groups encourage people to be involved, raise awareness and get immunized. The four key messages of the toolkits are:
- Vaccines protect against serious diseases.
- Dangerous disease outbreaks still exist.
- Vaccines are recommended throughout our lives.
- Vaccines are very safe.
August is National Immunization Month. Protect your children and your community.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Sources: Awareness Days; American Lung Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC); and National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID)
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