Promoting the Importance of Vaccinations for World Immunization Week
by: Razieh Hadian Jazi, M.D.,
Published: April 24, 2024
IRVINE...In recognition of World Immunization Week, April 24 - 30, it’s imperative to emphasize the critical role vaccinations play in safeguarding individuals of all ages against preventable diseases. World Immunization Week aims to highlight the collective effort needed to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases. As a health care provider with MemorialCare Medical Group, I am committed to dispelling vaccination misconceptions and promoting their importance in public health among my patients.
Vaccinations are one of the most effective tools we have for preventing infectious diseases and their potential complications. They prompt the body’s immune system to generate antibodies – specialized proteins that target and neutralize specific pathogens like bacteria and viruses. These antibodies not only defend against targeted diseases but also establish a lasting immune memory, enabling a swift and robust response to future exposures to the same pathogen.
By stimulating antibody production, vaccines prime the immune system to identify and combat invading pathogens before they can cause illness. This proactive immune response is instrumental in preventing infections from taking hold and spreading within the body, helping reduce the risk of disease transmission to others in the community. From childhood vaccines to those recommended for adolescents and seniors, immunizations play a crucial role in reducing the spread of contagious diseases and protecting vulnerable populations.
Vaccination begins early in life, providing newborns and infants with protection against severe infectious diseases. During the first year of life, infants undergo a series of vaccinations such as hepatitis B, diphtheria, pertussis (whopping cough), Haemophiles influenza type b (Hib), polio, pneumococcal disease, and rotavirus. Administered at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, these vaccines strategically coincide with critical periods in infancy when immune systems are still developing.
Throughout their second year, toddlers continue to receive vaccinations to bolster their immune defenses against infectious threats. This includes vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella (chickenpox), and hepatitis A. Most of these vaccines are administered between 12 and 24 months of age, harnessing the immune system’s power to establish enduring protection against infectious agents. As children ages 3 to 6 years grow and interact with their environment, they are exposed to a wide range of infectious agents in community settings, heightening their risk of serious illness. Vaccinations during this time help fortify their immune systems and include vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP).
Adolescence marks a critical period for vaccination, as it signals the transition into adulthood and independent health decision-making. Vaccinating adolescents between the ages of 11 to 16 is crucial in safeguarding against diseases like meningitis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the brain and spinal cord. Given the social dynamics of adolescence, teens are at an increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease.
Vaccination against HPV (human papillomavirus) is recommended for teens, particularly before individuals become sexually active. The human papillomavirus can lead to various cancers, including cervical, throat and anal cancer.
Adults should continue to get vaccinations, as immunizations are not only important during childhood but throughout one’s life. The flu vaccine stands as a vital immunization for adults, safeguarding against influenzas – a contagious respiratory illness associated with severe complications and even death – especially among those with underlying medical conditions. As influenza viruses evolve, annual vaccination remains imperative to ensure ongoing immunity against prevalent strains.
As individuals age into their golden years, their immune systems may weaken, making them more susceptible to certain diseases. Vaccination remains vital for those over 65 to maintain their health and quality of life. Vaccines such as the influenza vaccine are important as the flu can be particularly severe for older adults, leading to hospitalization and even death. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. By receiving these vaccines, older adults can significantly reduce their risk of developing respiratory infections, pneumonia, and reduce hospitilzations.
Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting vaccine safety and efficacy, misinformation continues to fuel vaccine hesitancy and reluctance. Scientific organizations and health authorities such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have reiterated the safety of vaccines for infants and children, and the importance of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases.
Furthermore, concerns about vaccine ingredients are unfounded, as vaccines undergo rigorous testing and scrutiny to ensure their safety and efficacy. Their components are carefully monitored and have been deemed safe for use by regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases in recent years serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination. Diseases such as measles, mumps, and whooping cough have made a comeback in communities where vaccination rates have declined, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and immunization efforts.
Maintaining high vaccination rates is paramount in achieving herd immunity and protecting vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. When vaccination rates decline, herd immunity can be compromised, allowing diseases to spread more easily within communities. This can have serious consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants or older adults, who may be at a higher risk of complications from vaccine-preventable diseases.
From shielding infants and adolescents against childhood diseases to safeguarding adults and seniors from age-related infections, vaccines offer invaluable benefits for individuals and communities alike. As we observe World Immunization Week, let us reaffirm the importance of vaccinations in safeguarding lives.
At MemorialCare Medical Group – Irvine (Culver), our urgent care physicians treat a variety of adult and pediatric non-life-threatening emergencies, such as providing vaccinations with family medicine services, urgent care, and laboratory draw stations. To make an appointment, patients can call (877) 696-3622 or visit www.memorialcare.org/irvine-culver
Photo:MemorialCare Medical Group