I am an advocate for vaccines! Why? According to research, vaccines work with our immune system to help protect us from diseases. Our immune system makes antibodies that find germs and fight them off. After the attack, the antibodies stay in our blood to protect us in case that germ comes back. Vaccination gives a dead form of the germs and then make antibodies to fight it. The antibodies fight off a real infection if ever exposed to one.
Why Vaccines Matter: 1) Vaccine-preventable diseases can affect everyone! Each year, thousands of people suffer from serious health conditions that could have been prevented. 2) Vaccines protect against serious diseases! Certain diseases can cause serious complications, and death. 3) Vaccines are safe! The FDA tests vaccines before they are released, and the CDC monitors them once they are in use.
Get the Facts: Learn the facts behind some common vaccine myths. 1) Vaccines are just for kids. 2) My doctor didn’t mention it, so I don’t need it! 3) The vaccine will make me sick. 4) I’m healthy so I don’t need them. 5) I can’t afford vaccines. Do your research – the above are myths, not facts!
The Flu Statistics: Last flu season, the virus cause 959,000 hospitalizations and 79,400 deaths. During the 2016-17 flu season, the flu vaccine prevented an estimated 5.3 million cases of the flu. As we get older, the flu can cause other serious health conditions, such as pneumonia. It can also be dangerous if you have heart failure, asthma or diabetes.
The Shingles Statistics: About 1 in 3 people in the U.S. will get shingles. As of 2016, only 33% of adults 60 years and older had been vaccinated. Just 2 weeks ago I was diagnosed with shingles. Shingles are a rash that turns into painful blisters. They can be severe even after the blisters have healed. The shingles broke out on my face and went into my mouth, ear and hairline. They only break out in one spot on your body usually in a “U” shape. I felt as if my ear was exploding. The pain has subsided and I’m in the “crusting over” stage and will soon be fully recovered. I wish that I would have heard abut the shingles vaccine and gotten it when I was 50. I don’t wish this disease on anyone! It’s painful!!
Recommended Vaccines: For a list of up-to-date recommended vaccines, visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/vaccines.
Trusted resources:
http://www.adultvaccination.org
source: April 2019 Patient Point
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