Dear friends,
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and as a physician who’s all in on vaccines, I like to think of it as a time when vaccines get their well-deserved spotlight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 4 million deaths worldwide are prevented by childhood vaccinations every year.
Let’s face it, before the pandemic we thought if you got vaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella, you were set for life. It was like getting a permanent pass from some of the less fun parts of childhood. Then came COVID-19 and suddenly vaccines seemed more like software needing updates than a one-and-done deal. It was a bit of a plot twist in our public health narrative.
…4 million deaths worldwide are prevented by childhood vaccinations every year.
As a doctor, I’m here to say that I’m a big fan of vaccines. They’re like your body’s personal trainers, getting your immune system buff enough to knock out viruses left and right. But unfortunately, vaccines sometimes get caught in a swirl of myths and misconceptions. For example, some folks whispered that the COVID-19 vaccine was a scam or had more sinister motives, which just isn’t true.
And then there’s the big myth that vaccines cause autism, which has been debunked many times over. It is crucial we clear up these fictions with solid facts and a sprinkle of understanding.
Vaccines: What You Really Need to Know
The CDC has laid out a vaccine schedule that is like a treasure map to good health, guiding us from infancy into our golden years. Yes, adults need their shots—from tetanus that prevent locked jaw after stepping on a rusty nail, to the shingles vaccine that avoids a painful recurrence of chickenpox in later years.
I will admit that when the COVID-19 vaccine first rolled out and before I rolled up my sleeve, I took a moment to do my homework. Being cautious and making informed decisions is part of the job in taking charge of your health. And if you are not comfortable doing that research on your own, reach out to your primary care doctor or a trusted and informed friend who can help provide factual and trustworthy information.
Tips for Keeping Your Family Prepared
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Stay Updated: Think of the CDC’s vaccination schedule as your go-to guide for keeping everyone in your family ready against diseases. And fortunately, insurance plans cover most vaccines.
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Save Records: Keep track of vaccination records and take a photo of that record with your cell phone. It’s a great way to have that information at your fingertips at all times. Vaccination records are key to knowing when you’re due for a booster, or if your teen needs that meningitis shot before heading off to summer camp or college.
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Bust Myths with Humor and Facts: Got a family member who is skeptical about vaccines? Sometimes a little humor, plus facts, can help lighten the mood and open doors to better understanding. “No Aunt Sue, vaccines won’t turn you into a zombie. They just make you less attractive to certain viruses!”
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Plan Ahead: If you’re planning an exotic vacation, make sure your travel vaccines are as ready as your passport. You wouldn’t want to bring home a souvenir, like yellow fever.
Vaccines in Our Health Journey
In my view, vaccines are a critical part of our health toolkit. They are not just for keeping us safe, but also alive, as some vaccines have made certain diseases almost extinct. So this National Immunization Awareness Month, let’s roll up our sleeves, get our shots, and maybe even thank those tiny vials that make such a big difference in our lives.
Here’s to health and science—a couple allies in living our healthiest and best lives!
With your health in mind,
