Importance of Vaccinations
Vaccinations are designed to prevent disease and protect people. Essentially, it's a shot that introduces a killed or weakened form of a disease into your body. In response, your body builds immunity to that disease. The next time you're exposed to the real disease, your body fights it off and you don't get sick.
Health insurance typically covers vaccines, and your insurance company may even send you a reminder when you or your child is due for his or her next shots. Here are several reasons why vaccinations are important.
Protects Your Kids
Diseases like polio, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, diphtheria, rubella (German measles), mumps, smallpox, rotavirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and tetanus are all deadly. They are also prevented by vaccination. By following the recommended vaccination schedule as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you protect your kids from hearing loss, paralysis, amputation, convulsions, brain damage and death, all health effects of the diseases vaccines prevent.
Protect Other People
Immunizations protect other kids and keep your community healthy. When your kids aren't vaccinated, they can carry diseases to other people. Babies who are too young for immunizations and anyone with a compromised immunity, including cancer patients or elderly people, could contract a life-threatening disease when they're exposed to someone who is not vaccinated.
Stop Outbreaks of Preventable Disease
A preventable disease could be eradicated in your area but may be thriving in another part of the world. Travel the globe or be exposed to a world traveler, and you or your unvaccinated child could carry or contract a disease. By getting regular vaccinations, you potentially curb outbreaks and stop the spread of diseases.
Vaccinations are Safe
Several controversies surround vaccinations, and you may be afraid that your kids will get a serious health challenge if you vaccinate them. Actually, vaccinations undergo intense testing and review by doctors, scientists and the federal government before they're approved. The immunizations you and your children receive are safe.
Vaccinations are Recommended by Professionals
Doctor and scientists at the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all recommend vaccinations. These men and women strongly support the protective qualities of immunizations.
Vaccines Save Money
By getting vaccinated, your kids are less likely to contract diseases. Better health means fewer visits to the doctor, less medications and bigger savings on health care.
Much controversy surrounds vaccinations, so do your research as you decide if they're right for your kids. Ask your insurance agent, too, for a list of recommended vaccines for kids and adults.