CRAIG'S CORNER:
Promoting Health and Wellness through Vaccination
Vaccines protect us against numerous preventable diseases. A vaccine contains antigens that have either been inactivated (killed viruses) or attenuated vaccines that contain a viral antigen that can stimulate immunity, but will not cause the disease. Vaccination against preventable communicable diseases promotes continued good health and reduces the risk of mortality and morbidity from these diseases. Numerous potentially fatal diseases have been eradicated in the northern hemisphere because effective vaccines have been used to protect us from the disease. Vaccines help eliminate the disease by preventing transmission to the general population. Smallpox and Polio are excellent examples of diseases that no longer exist in North America. Smallpox vaccine is no longer being used; however Polio vaccine is still being administered to assure protection against imported infections.
From several months after birth to early adulthood children are vaccinated against a multitude of diseases. As adults, we are less concerned with vaccinations, and run the risk of acquiring some of the diseases that we were previously vaccinated for. There are also diseases of adulthood where vaccination should be considered. In some cases we may need boosters to recharge our immunity. A catch up program can assure continued immunity against these infections. It would be important to have a booster containing Tetanus Toxoid, and maybe in combination with Diphtheria and Pertussis (Whooping Cough). Measles still exists, and Pertussis is back. There are other considerations that the adult population should consider. Shingles Vaccine is available, and helps prevent against an outbreak of shingles. Shingles can be debilitating, and the vaccination is a good way to reduce that risk. The vaccine is given under the skin, and in many states can be given right at your pharmacy with a physician’s order. Shingles vaccine is recommended for patients over 60 years of age. Pneumonia is quite dangerous for the aging population, and Pneumococcal vaccine is highly recommended after age 65. Hepatitis B is recommended when risk factors are present. Healthcare workers are good candidates for the Hepatitis B series. Influenza vaccine should be given every year. It is the simplest of all vaccines to have administered. In the early fall there are flu clinics everywhere. Stop in and get your shot. Who wants the flu for Christmas!
Take it upon yourself to discuss a catch up schedule for the routine vaccines that you may need. Also take the opportunity to discuss the vaccines that you might need for your age or occupation. If you travel to foreign countries, I would highly recommend researching the need for specialized vaccines used abroad. Your primary care provider is your best resource. Have a vaccine discussion with your next office visit.
You are
your best advocate. Eat well, exercise,
and be proactive with your health. In my
opinion, immunization is a fix and forget process.
-Chuck Kelly