August is National Immunization Month- Why Should You Get Immunized?

August is National Immunization Month- Why Should You Get Immunized?

The month of August brings reminders and memories of back to school, meeting your fist college roommate or trying out for sports teams.  It’s also a great month to check in with your physician to make sure your vaccines are up to date.  The CDC has labeled August as National Immunization Awareness Month to raise the importance of vaccination not just in childhood, but through our entire lives.

Vaccination is one of the great victories in medicine in prevention of disease.   In 1000 AD, the Chinese and Turks began the practice of inoculation with small pox to prevent disease.  Edward Jenner didn’t bring vaccination to small pox into practice until 1796.  Since, we’ve expanded our ability to protect infants, teens and adults against many preventable diseases that before were serious and often led to death. 

Despite these advances, every year, thousands of children and adults in the US needlessly are sick and suffer and are hospitalized from diseases that could be prevented by vaccination.

What are A Few Reasons Why Vaccines Are So Important?

·       They help protect children, teens and adults against many serious and sometimes deadly diseases.

·       Vaccination to protect against 15 diseases is available in the United States.

·       Through this program many diseases such as measles, mumps rubella, influenza, and small pox that used to wreak havoc on communities have now been brought under control. 

·       They help prevent disease such as measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, human papilloma virus, influenza, shingles, pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria, hepatitis, and whooping cough

Despite knowing this we aren't doing a great job vaccinating adults.

According to CDC data, in 2013:

·       Only 17% of adults 19 years or older had received the tetanus and whooping cough vaccine (Tdap)

·       Only 24% of adults 60 years or older had received shingles (herpes zoster) vaccination. – National Health Interview Survey 2013

·       Only 21% of adults 19 to 64 years at high risk had received pneumococcal vaccination. – National Health Interview Survey 2013

·       Only 42% of adults 18 years or older received a flu vaccine during 2013-2014

vaccination. – National Health Interview Survey 2013

What Are Some Common Myths about Vaccines that Prevent Vaccination?

·       The importance of vaccination ends in childhood

o   Adults should continue to receive vaccinations depending on their health age, and occupation throughout their life

o   Common vaccines for adults include: influenza, pneumonia (Pneumovax), shingles, hepatis B, and whooping cough.  Speak with your doctor to make sure yours are up to date.

o   Check out the CDC's Vaccine Scheduele for Adults to see what vaccines you should have received

·       I’m Egg Allergic and Can’t Get the Flu Vaccine

o   Speak with your allergist regarding specific advice regarding vaccination for flu and egg allergy.

·       Vaccination is dangerous and can lead to disease

o   Vaccines are thoroughly tested before licensing and carefully monitored even after they are licensed to ensure that they are very safe

o   Side effects from vaccines are usually mild and temporary.

o   Some people may have allergic reactions to certain vaccines, but serious and long-term side effects are rare.

·       Vaccination will weaken my immune system

o   Vaccination will not weaken your immune system.  Vaccines act like germs to stimulate the immune system against the virus or bacteria so it will mount a response and offer protection against disease.  Vaccines strengthen your body’s response against these illnesses.

·       Vaccination can cause autism

o   No.  Vaccination does not cause autism.

o   Numerous studies have found no link between vaccination and autism.  In 2004, a groundbreaking study from the Institute of medicine found that thimerosal (a preservative in vaccines) does not cause autism.

Have specific questions about vaccine and the importance of them?  Speak with your doctor to get accurate information or look at the CDC’s website.

If you need vaccines, have questions regarding allergy to vaccines, or have questions about vaccines, contact us and we'll help! Want more specific advice on vaccination with one of New York’s Top Allergist?  Visit our website http://www.gramercyallergy.com or click here to schedule an appointment online.