Vaccination

GetFitColville/Washington Health Foundation

July, 2010

What is vaccination?

Vaccination, or immunization, refers to boosting the body's immune system to protect it against certain infections, for example, certain types of bacteria or viruses.  Vaccines are available in the form of shots, or in some cases, a liquid taken by mouth.

What diseases can be prevented?

Several important infections can be prevented by immunization.  Routine vaccines in childhood protect against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus (DPT) polio, hemophilus, measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox.  In addition, rotavirus (a type of diarrhea causing virus) and pneumococcus (causes pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections) immunizations are available for children.  Hepatitis A, typhoid, meningococcus, HPV (venereal warts and cancer of the cervix in women) are also available.

Does vaccination really make a difference?

Yes, the diseases listed above have been knocked down considerably in the U.S.  These diseases are still common in areas of the world where the majority of people are not vaccinated.  Polio, for example, which caused epidemics each year up through the 1950's, is eradicated from the world in all but four countries.

How do I know that vaccines are safe?

Nothing is without risk, including vaccination.  However, the risk for all of the common vaccines is extremely small.  Vaccination is one of the safest and best practices, since it uses the body's natural immunity to prevent disease, rather than taking a pill or antibiotic.  This way, no matter where you are, your body is always ready to fight these serious diseases.

What happens if I don't have my children vaccinated?

Most states and schools require immunization during childhood.  If parents refuse for personal reasons, this is permissible.  Since most children are vaccinated, even a child who is not vaccinated will be protected by having other children surrounding them, playing with them who won't catch the disease, and therefore won't spread it on to the unvaccinated child.  However, there is always the chance that the infection could break through and catch the child off guard.  For example, we are seeing whooping cough in larger numbers in children who have not been vaccinated in northern Idaho and northeast Washington, as well as other parts of the country.

We urge you to consider routine vaccination for all of your family.  Ask your healthcare professional for advice about which vaccines are due when.

Protect your family.  Get vaccinated.

GetFitColville                           Washington Health Foundation.