Vaccines can help protect people from getting sick from serious diseases. Every year, immunization prevents 3.5 million to 5 million deaths globally from diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, measles and the flu, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In fact, the WHO calls immunization “one of the best health investments money can buy.”
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, which is intended to educate people about the importance of vaccination. Whether you’re a parent whose child is headed to school, or you’re an individual who’s committed to protecting your own health, this is a good time to talk to your primary care doctor about which vaccines are recommended for you. In that vein, here are eight reasons to get vaccinated.
- Vaccines can help strengthen your immune system. That’s because they expose your body to an antigen (which is a germ, or part of a germ or something that mimics a germ) that helps you develop antibodies to fight that antigen. Then, if you’re exposed to that germ again, your body has been trained to protect you by preventing sickness or potentially limiting the severity of sickness.
- Vaccines may help protect other people in your household and your community. When you stay up-to-date on your immunizations, you’re not only helping to protect yourself; you may also play a role in stopping the spread of diseases so that others don’t get sick.
- Vaccines are safe. Vaccines are rigorously tested and monitored for safety. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), “The benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the risk, and without vaccines many more injuries and deaths would occur.”
- With the help of vaccines, several serious diseases have become rare. Smallpox was eradicated nearly 50 years ago, thanks to immunization, and there have been no naturally occurring cases since. In addition, vaccines have helped reduce previously prevalent infections, such as polio, mumps and whooping cough, among others.
- A vaccine could help protect you from certain kinds of cancer. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can protect a person from a number of cancers caused by HPV, including cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, mouth, throat, head and neck. It may also protect against genital warts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the HPV vaccine for children who are 11 and 12 years old, although it can be given at age 9 through 26. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you and your children.
- Vaccines may help protect people at any age. Immunization isn’t just for children and seniors. Vaccines can help protect all people, including those who are young and healthy.
- Vaccines may be a requirement where you’re headed. Schools, daycares, workplaces and even countries may require that people show proof of vaccination for certain diseases. Be sure you’re familiar with health guidelines that may impact the places you go or the choices you make.
- Vaccines may be available to you at low or no cost. Marketplace health insurance plans and most private insurance plans are required to cover certain vaccines, according to the CDC. Check your insurance policy to see what’s covered by your plan. You may also be eligible for free or low-cost vaccination through different health providers and health centers. Learn more here.
According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, vaccines are just as important to your overall health as exercising and eating. If you’re not up to date on your routine vaccinations, or if you’re not sure, talk to your health care provider today. It only takes a few minutes to get the protection you need, but the benefits are immeasurable.
