Turn on the news and you are sure to hear plenty of conversation and controversy surrounding immunization; talk to your friends and neighbors about the hot-button issue, and you’ll likely get the same results. Depending upon where you live, what your perspective is, and what the latest recommendations are, the immunization “debate” rages on. With that being said, it’s important to remember that diseases don’t discriminate, and any person is at risk if not protected.
Without proper protection, disease is transmittable, putting your kids and public health at risk. While there are those who don’t believe in having their children immunized, scientists and health leaders worldwide agree: immunizations save lives, and adults and kids should stay up-to-date with their required shots.
So, let’s talk about the facts and the fiction behind immunizations. Knowledge is power, and power keeps you protected.
Diseases stand a slim chance of developing when a person is protected — that’s why most people (including doctors, the United Nations, and medical associations) advise parents to inoculate their children, get booster shots when needed, and to be sure they are up-to-date with the most current findings and available shots. As science advances, so does modern medicine!
Immunization has worked so well that it is tempting to believe that we don’t “need” vaccinations for certain illnesses anymore, such as measles and tetanus, as they are so rare today. However, there is a direct correlation between immunization rates and the prevalence of these diseases. If large portions of the population were to stop getting vaccinated, these scary sicknesses would be sure to return. Learn more about the more common and most effective vaccinations available at your local vybe urgent care.
One of the most common reasons people don’t vaccinate their children is the belief that vaccines cause autism. This belief was based on a study that has been retracted from the journal in which it was published, and the doctor who authored it has been banned from practicing medicine in the UK. Since then, there have been at least 20 scientific studies proving that this correlation is untrue. While this belief is no more than a myth, it is certainly a harmful one.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States’ long-standing effort to develop safe and effective vaccines has resulted in the safest vaccine supply in history. Vaccines go through extensive testing and monitoring before they are released to the public. Potential side effects are incredibly mild, such as redness or swelling where the shot was given. Plus, any side effects from immunizations are milder than the symptoms of the diseases from which you’re being protected. Such statements provides peace of mind when information (and misinformation) about immunizations becomes perplexing.
The vybe team is on board with vaccines available to patients, including MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), Hepatitis B, Meningococcal, Varicella (Chicken Pox), and the flu. Read more about what these vaccines can do to protect you and your loved ones. Our clinicians can help evaluate your family’s needs.
Immunizations aren’t just for babies, they’re for people of all age groups — including adults. This August, the American Academy of Pediatrics highlights the importance of vaccinations for a variety of age groups and situations, from back-to-school readiness to pregnancy protection, to teen and adult shots.
Talk to your doctor, pediatrician, or a vybe clinician about immunization at your local urgent care. The more you know, the better choices you’ll make. It’s always smart to learn more so you can make educated decisions for your health and the well-being of those in your care.
The American Academy of Pediatrics supports National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), which is a campaign held each August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Naturally, this topic is essential any time of year, but August is a smart marker as kids go back to school and commingle with many children, some who could not be vaccinated or are otherwise vulnerable to certain diseases.
If you have children, they depend on you to protect them, and this protection comes in many forms, including being proactive about immunizations. This back to school season, get all the information you need to make safe and sound decisions, and make August the month where your immunization awareness is on point.
If you or your loved one is due for a vaccination or you are not sure, visit your local vybe urgent care and get up-to-date.
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