As we celebrate National Immunization Awareness Month, it’s imperative to reflect on the importance of vaccines in protecting ourselves, our loved ones, and the community as a whole. Immunizations have been one of the most significant public health achievements, saving millions of lives worldwide. With the back-to-school season approaching, childhood immunizations should be at the forefront of every parent’s mind.
Ensuring your children are up-to-date on their vaccinations not only protects them but also helps safeguard their classmates, school staff, and the entire island of Guam. From measles and mumps, to polio and whooping cough, these vaccines shield our children from serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. But it’s not just children that need vaccines.
Adults should be getting vaccinated, too. In this article, I’ll run through a list of some of the more common and recommended vaccines, their indication, and eligibility. Let’s start off with meningitis.
It’s a devastating infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Complications can include permanent brain damage, seizures, stroke, and paralysis. Thankfully, vaccines are available to prevent several types of bacterial meningitis.
These are particularly important for adolescents and young adults, especially those living in close quarters like college dorms. For older adults, the shingles vaccine is a game-changer. Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, can lead to severe rash that is not only painful but can also lead to more serious complications such as hearing and vision loss, pneumonia, brain infections, and in rare instances even death.
The vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing this condition. As flu season approaches, various respiratory infections can pose serious threats for all ages but especially children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung issues. Vaccines for pneumonia and influenza are crucial for your immune defense and are widely available.
Covid, which still remains a major player, should not be taken lightly and vaccines are considered on an individual basis. Next is TDAP. This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
Tetanus can cause severe muscle stiffness, diphtheria can lead to breathing problems, and pertussis (whooping cough) can be especially dangerous for infants. Adults should receive a TDAP booster every 10 years to maintain protection, with pregnant women getting one during each pregnancy to protect newborns. One of the newer vaccines, HPV vaccine, is recommended for both boys and girls starting as early as age 9.
It protects against high risk strains of the human papillomavirus, which can cause genital warts and several types of cancer, including cervical cancer, anal cancer, and certain head and neck cancers, just to name a few. Getting this vaccine during adolescence provides the best protection. Lastly, let’s not forget about hepatitis vaccines.
Hepatitis A and B are serious liver infections caused by the hepatitis virus and can lead to long-term health problems, including liver failure. Vaccines are available for both types and are recommended for most people, with specific recommendations based on risk factors. In closing, although vaccines are relatively safe and benefits highly outweigh risks, it’s still important to recognize that not all vaccines come without complications.
I encourage you to do your research before getting vaccinated and talk with your medical provider about which vaccines are right for you and your family. Whether it’s taking medication or getting a vaccine, it’s always important to make an informed decision. Remember, preventing disease is always better than treating it.
Let’s work together to build a healthier, more resilient community through the power of immunization. Take care and stay healthy Guam!.
