Health department shares facts about immunizations
Due to the decrease in immunizations, the United States is beginning to see a rise in vaccine-preventable diseases such as whooping cough and measles.
The Tuscarawas County Health Department’s medical office offers a range of back-to-school vaccines for area students. Parents and guardians are encouraged to learn more and schedule immunization appointments to avoid the back-to-school rush.
“It is important to remember to schedule back-to-school vaccines early and not wait until the end of summer,” said Amy Kaser, RN director of nursing for the Tuscarawas County Health Department. “We know there are concerns with adverse reactions to vaccines, and we wanted to share some data to assist those who may have questions.”
Due to the decrease in immunizations, the United States is beginning to see a rise in vaccine-preventable diseases such as whooping cough and measles.
Natural immunity vs. vaccine-induced immunity
Vaccine-preventable diseases can have long-lasting negative effects such as intellectual disability, blindness, recurring respiratory infections and even death. Vaccines allow people to build up immunity without the possibility for these long-lasting negative effects.
Natural immunity happens after you get sick with a disease. But diseases can be serious and even deadly. A vaccine protects from a disease before it makes you sick.
Vaccines don’t just protect you; they also protect the people around you.
Vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States
Diseases that were once common like polio and measles are rarely seen now due to many generations being vaccinated against these diseases. If vaccine numbers continue to decrease, diseases that are no longer a problem may reappear.
Can vaccines overload one’s immune system?
According to the World Health Organization, “Children are exposed to many foreign antigens every day. Eating food introduces new bacteria into the body, and numerous bacteria live in the mouth and nose, exposing the immune system to still more antigens. An upper respiratory viral infection exposes a child to four to 10 antigens and a case of strep throat to 25-50.”
According to Adverse Events Associated with Childhood Vaccines, a 1994 report from the Institute of Medicine in the United States, “In the face of these normal events, it seems unlikely that the number of separate antigens contained in childhood vaccines would represent an appreciable added burden on the immune system that would be immuno-suppressive.
“Indeed, available scientific data show that simultaneous vaccination with multiple vaccines has no adverse effect on the normal childhood immune system. A number of studies and reviews have been conducted to examine the effects of giving various combinations of vaccines simultaneously. These studies have shown that the recommended vaccines are as effective in combination as they are individually and that such combinations carry no greater risk for adverse side effects.”
The Tuscarawas County Health Department offers private vaccines and a vaccine for children program through the Ohio Department of Health for those who do not have insurance, are underinsured or on Medicaid.
To make an appointment or for more information about vaccines, call 330-343-5555 ext. 1740 or 1810. For additional resources visit www.tchdnow.org or www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/index.html.