If only vaccines were digital.
Vaccines are the world’s most powerful and affordable medicines. One or a few ordinary injections deliver protection against terrible diseases for decades. Protection against infectious diseases require high levels of participation. Unfortunately, vaccines are not without risk. The medical community is working to more accurately identify the minority of individuals who may suffer harm from a vaccine. In the meantime, this is a risk that people must bear if the public’s health is to be protected. All of us together constituting “the public,” this is an appropriate social responsibility.
Immunizations Internationally
According to WHO (World Health Organization), vaccinations have been a global benefit in the following ways:
- Vaccinations prevent 2-3 million deaths each year
- Vaccinations helped drop the measles mortality rate by 74% in the past ten years
- Vaccinations have decreased the number of polio cases by 99% over the past 12 years
Immunizations in the U.S.
Life-threatening disease is not something we’re often concerned about in the U.S. because it is so rare. But would it stay that way if we stopped supporting vaccinations?
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that children receive a total of 10 vaccines (28 doses) before age 6.
- 88.9% of parents vaccinate their children according to the CDC recommended schedule
While there are no federal laws that make vaccinations mandatory, all 50 states require vaccinations for children to enter public school (with some exemptions).
- Religious exemptions are permitted in 48 states (excluding Mississippi and West Virginia)
- Philosophical exemptions are permitted in 19 states
- Note: Effective July 1, 2016 California public and private schools will not accept any exemptions
Pros vs. Cons
- CON: 30,000 cases of adverse reactions to vaccinations are reported annually (600,000 over 20 years)
- Yet only 10-15% of those classified as “serious” (result in permanent disability, hospitalization, life-threatening illness, or death)
- Totaling 60,000 to 90,000 serious adverse reactions over 20 years
- PRO: Over the past 20 years vaccinations saved an estimated 732,000 U.S. children from death and 322 million from illness
- That’s 10x the amount of life saving cases compared to cases with adverse effects
Vaccinations have proven to be the safest, most successful, and most cost-effective way to safeguard our population from disease.
Vaccines Recommended for Your Child Before Age 6
HepB –> Prevents Hepatitis B
Spread through bodily fluids
RV –> Prevents Rotavirus
Spread by contact with infected stool on hands, diapers, objects (toys, doorknobs, changing tables)
DTaP –>Prevents Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Diphtheria: Spread through the air and direct contact with someone who’s infected
Tetanus: Spread through open wounds
Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Spread through the air and direct contact with someone who’s infected
Hib –> Prevents Haemophilus Influenzae Type B
Spread through the air and direct contact with someone who’s infected
PCV13 –> Prevents Pneumococcal Disease
Spread through the air and direct contact with someone who’s infected
IPV –> Prevents Polio
Spread through the air, direct contact with someone who’s infected, and through oral/nasal secretions
Flu –> Prevents Influenza
Spread through the air and direct contact with someone who’s infected
MMR –> Prevents Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
All are spread through the air and direct contact with someone who’s infected
Varicella –> Prevents Chickenpox
Spread through the air and direct contact with someone who’s infected
Hepatitis A –> Prevents Hepatitis A
Spread through direct contact with someone who’s infected or contaminated food or water
Apps for Tracking Your Child’s Immunizations
iVaccine
- Available in the Google Play Store
- Offered by JaguArt Medical
- Features:
- Vaccine descriptions
- Immunization tracking capabilities
- Personalized alerts
- Baby-specific vaccine information
Shots Immunizations
- Available in the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store
- Offered by the Group on Immunization Education of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine
- Features:
- Vaccine descriptions, risk indicators, adverse reactions, brand names, and more
- A complete list of the CDC vaccine schedules (for all ages)
- Commentary from immunization experts
CDC Vaccine Schedules
- Available in the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store
- Offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Geared toward healthcare professionals, but helpful for everyone
- Features:
- CDC vaccine schedules (for all ages)
- Immunization expert footnotes
