On the Fence About Getting a Vaccine? Learn How Immunizations Can Help Prevent These 10 Serious Illnesses

PLEASE NOTE: Central Coast VNA Community Services has discontinued the travel immunization program. As the community immunizers it has been a privilege to provide this vital service of disease prevention and healthy travel to our communities.

Vaccinations have become an important factor in the prevention of serious diseases that can lead to potentially deadly complications. However, you might be concerned about issues such as safety. Some people are against immunizations and have no problem telling everyone their opinions. With the advent of the internet, those voices may seem to be everywhere, causing doubt to bloom in your mind. However, your health care provider relies on medically backed research for vaccine safety and effectiveness. It’s important to put your trust in professionals over social media. Without these preventative measures, you’d be more at risk of developing many serious conditions that could negatively impact your life.

Lifelong Vaccinations

Once you receive these immunizations and the required boosters, you’re protected for the remainder of your life.

Polio

Polio can affect the brain and the central nervous system, often causing breathing difficulties, paralysis or even death. Thanks to widespread vaccinations, polio is no longer a problem in the United States. However, it’s a small world due to travel. Vaccines can keep you from getting polio from travelers of other countries where the disease is still active.

HPV

Human papilloma virus has been linked to certain types of cancer in both men and women. Although your body may be able to fight this virus on its own, long-term cases cause cellular changes. These alterations can lead to the development of cancer over time. It can be spread through any type of sexual contact. There are several cancers that have been attributed to this virus. They are those of the cervix, vagina, vulva, rectum, penis, mouth and throat. The HPV vaccine has been shown to help prevent up to 90 percent of these types of cancers.

Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia often occurs as a complication of other viral infections, especially those that affect the respiratory tract. This illness can land you in the hospital. Additionally, if the bacteria reach the blood stream, this can lead to a deadly infection called sepsis. There are currently two pneumonia vaccinations available that fight against 13 or 23 strains of the bacteria. For some patients, getting both of these immunizations provides the best protection.

Repeated Immunizations

These vaccines require regular boosters, sometimes annually, in order to remain effective in the prevention of disease.

Pertussis

Also known as whooping cough, pertussis affects the lungs and can lead to death, especially in children. The newer vaccines provide less risk of side effects, but the provided immunity can wane over time. Over the last few years, pertussis cases have increased. Although there are multiple reasons for this, lack of vaccination appears to be one of the underlying factors. You can get continued protection from this disease that’s trying to make a comeback with a tetanus booster.

Tetanus

Unlike most of the other diseases reduced by vaccination, tetanus is not spread from human to human. However, you can contract this possibly deadly virus through your everyday environment if it enters through broken skin. The intense muscle contractions caused by the virus can be so severe as to break bones. Regular boosters are needed to maintain protection from this excruciating disease.

Influenza

Thousands of people die each year due to the flu and related complications. Different viruses are more active from year to year. It’s important that you’re immunized annually to prevent the predicted strains that will be most prevalent each season. Some people are reluctant to visit a flu clinic since a few people claim they became ill after being vaccinated. This is not the case; symptoms that resemble the flu are just signs that your body is developing immunity against the virus.

COVID-19

Advanced medical research has given humanity its first chance at fighting off a plague through the preventative use of vaccines. Doctor’s offices, clinics and pharmacies offer the COVID vaccine in Salinas and other local areas. You should have no problem finding a provider close by. While it’s understandable to be hesitant due to all of the misinformation being spread on social media, it’s important to listen to the advice and experience of your health care provider as a reliable resource.

Travel Vaccinations

There are several vaccines for traveling to Mexico or other countries, and these are just a few that are recommended.

Rabies

Did you know that rabies is 100 percent fatal? Although not as prevalent in the United States, this virus is still seen regularly in many countries. In Mexico, feral dogs roam freely and can be very aggressive, so get protection before you go. Once you’ve been infected, it’s too late to get vaccinated.

Hepatitis A

Close contact with an infected person or consuming food or water in unsanitary areas can lead to contracting Hepatitis A. This is a very contagious disease that can cause inflammation of the liver. The more time you spend in a risky region, the greater the likelihood you’ll come in contact with this virus. Vaccinations can prevent the virus from damaging your liver. Additionally, you can get vaccinated within two weeks of getting the virus.

Typhoid Fever

Although rare in the United States, typhoid fever is prevalent in underdeveloped countries. While the vaccine provides limited protection, it can prevent serious complications. Once you’ve contracted the virus, there’s a small chance that you could become a lifetime carrier.

Addressing Your Concerns

Talk to your health care provider for any additional concerns you may have. This is what researchers know about vaccines:

• They are safe and effective for most people, and the benefits typically far outweigh the risks.
• Vaccines don’t cause the disease they’re meant to prevent. Only inactive or partial viruses are used in the manufacture of immunizations.
• Researchers haven’t found a connection between childhood immunizations and autism. This lifelong developmental disability is typically detected at the same age as childhood vaccinations are given. However, the ingredient in question, thimerosal, hasn’t been used in children’s vaccines since 2001.