Protect The Future; Vaccinate
Immunizations, and the debate to receive them, tends to be a topic of controversial conversation. This is no different in my family medicine practice. I often receive questions from patients about vaccinations. In these interactions, I share that I undoubtedly believe in vaccines and their benefit. Vaccinations fight life-threatening, contagious diseases and are a powerful defense that are safe, proven and effective.
Immunizations are one of the most important medical advancements of our time. They have caused infection rates to decrease and prevented disease-related death. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates among children born in the last 20 years, vaccinations will prevent more than 21 million hospitalizations and hundreds of thousands of deaths.
Over the years, vaccines have been responsible for controlling the spread of several major diseases, including smallpox, diphtheria, tetanus, yellow fever, whooping cough, polio and measles. While smallpox has been eliminated, and many other diseases have been greatly reduced, completely eradicating a disease is extremely difficult. Recent outbreaks of measles, mumps and hepatitis A are examples of diseases which are reduced by vaccines but not completely eliminated. These diseases are typically spread by unvaccinated individuals. While many of these illnesses are less common than they used to be, it is important to vaccinate to continue to prevent their rise.
I am also often asked about the effects vaccines may have on the individual. There is a common misconception that a vaccine "gives" sickness. After receiving a vaccine, the body develops antibodies. These antibodies are the body's security guards. The immune system generates these, appropriately, to recognize and fight off the disease. Some people may feel under the weather for a short period of time following this immunity activation, but it is necessary in order to ward off the disease every time the body is exposed to it.
Most individuals never develop a reaction to a vaccine. However, some may experience a mild fever, minor swelling, or pain near the vaccination site which can be treated with over-the-counter medications. These minor reactions do not imply that the vaccine was ineffective or harmful. In addition, vaccines do not cause other developmental disorders, such as autism. This claim was based on old data with poor research methods.
Families with busy schedules sometimes wonder about the rigid vaccine schedule they are instructed to follow. The vaccine schedule is used to help your child build immunity. Mothers do pass some immunity (antibodies) to their child. Unfortunately, a baby loses half of those antibodies in the first month of life and very few antibodies are present by six months of age. While there are timeline recommendations for vaccines, the schedule is flexible and can be carefully adjusted. Ultimately, it is important the vaccines are received. Talk to your doctor about a vaccine schedule if it is preventing you from immunizing.
For patients still unsure about vaccinations, I encourage them to think about the future. Do you and your children want to travel? What if your child wants to work in the health care field? In both instances, vaccines will be vitally important in preventing disease and saving their lives. Be an advocate for your child and make the decision now to protect your their future.
This article was written by Diana Haidar, MD, a Family Medicine physician with St. Joe's Medical Group and St. Mary Mercy Livonia. Dr. Haidar completed her medical degree at American University of Antigua, College of Medicine and a residency at St. Mary Mercy Livonia. She provides preventative and general wellness to children and adults at the St. Joe's Medical Group's Redford office. Dr. Haidar can be reached at 734-743-4400.
