Lourdes Health System: HealthTalk Online May 2019
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Concerned About Vaccines? Here’s Why They’re Your Best Shot Against Disease
Feature

The ongoing nationwide measles outbreak that has sickened nearly 900 people—the most in a single year since 1994—is a stark reminder of the need for vaccination.

“Vaccines are the best defense against diseases that can be dangerous or lead to serious complications. When you and your children get vaccinated, you’re not only protecting yourselves. You’re also doing your part to prevent the spread of these diseases to others,” said Lourdes infectious disease specialist Sandra Paluzzi, DO. “Some people can’t receive vaccines due to their age or health conditions, and they rely on the rest of us for protection. The measles outbreak shows what can happen when people do not trust vaccines or believe they are no longer necessary.”

How much difference can a vaccine make? It’s estimated that the flu vaccine alone prevented 5 million cases of flu and 71,000 hospitalizations in the 2015–2016 season. The World Health Organization estimates that 2 million to 3 million lives worldwide are saved each year due to diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) and measles vaccines.

Yet some people remain skeptical about the value of vaccines. They may wonder whether the vaccines are really necessary. Or, they may worry about possible risks and side effects. If you share some of these concerns, here are the facts you need to make an informed choice about vaccines for you and your children.

Are Vaccines Still Necessary?

You might think diseases such as polio, diphtheria, whooping cough and measles are things of the past. But while vaccines have greatly reduced the occurrence of these diseases, the viruses and bacteria that cause the diseases still exist.

If vaccination rates fall, diseases once thought to be defeated may make a comeback. Consider measles, for example.

“In 2000, measles was declared eliminated in the United States. But there were more than 650 cases in 2014 and nearly 400 last year, so clearly the disease remains in this country,” said Dr. Paluzzi. “It’s suspected that the latest measles outbreaks originated in Israel, Ukraine and the Philippines, places where the disease still widely occurs. These viruses are only a plane ride away from infecting a new population.”

Most of the new cases of measles are occurring in children whose parents chose not to vaccinate them. Nearby New York has the largest outbreak, accounting for 80 percent of cases nationwide.

So Many Shots, So Young?

Some parents who delay or choose not to vaccinate their children object to babies receiving so many shots.

“When little ones get their shots on time, they’re protected against 14 infectious diseases by age 2. The shot schedule is designed to protect babies before they’re likely to be exposed to the diseases. That’s critically important, because babies and young children may become very ill if they catch one of these infections,” said Dr. Paluzzi.

Another concern among parents is the belief that vaccines cause autism, a condition that affects how people communicate, behave, learn and interact with others. However, studies by doctors at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and elsewhere say there is no link between vaccines and autism.

Dealing with Side Effects

Like all medications, vaccines may cause side effects in people of all ages. These effects are generally mild and short-lived. The most common one is soreness, redness and swelling at the site where the shot was given. Severe side effects are quite rare.

In contrast, the diseases that vaccines help prevent can cause illness, hospitalization and death. The benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh any risks.

“Diseases like measles are not harmless,” said Dr. Paluzzi. “By getting yourself and your loved ones vaccinated, you can help ensure the health of the community.”

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The health information presented in this e-mail newsletter is intended for information purposes only and is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional. This information should not be used to treat or diagnose a health condition. Always seek advice from a trained healthcare provider.

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