How vaccinations work and why they're important
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccines are the second most important influence in improving world health—the first being clean drinking water. Small but mighty, immunizations are great ways to make the world a healthier place. In honor of National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), let’s learn about the importance of vaccines.
Let’s start with a dose of vaccination stats:
- The smallpox vaccine was the very first vaccine administered to the public. It was invented by Edward Jenner in 1796.
- Smallpox was also one of the first diseases to be eradicated with vaccines.
- The flu shot became available to the public in 1945.
- The polio vaccine was introduced in 1955. Its introduction helped wipe out the disease in the U.S. by 1979.
- Vaccines have saved almost 40 million lives over the last 20 years.
Still asking yourself "why vaccinate?"
Here are five reasons to love vaccines:
1. They train your body to fight disease, without getting you sick.
Almost everyone has experienced the flu. The unbearable achiness. The nasty fever, chills and aching joints. It’s not fun. But what if you could reduce your chances of going through this week-long exercise in discomfort? It’s as easy as making an appointment with a doctor or pharmacist. Flu shots reduce your chances of getting the flu by 40-60%. You can still get the flu, but if you're vaccinated, your case is more likely to be mild.
How do vaccines do this? Immunizations work with your immune system to give you extra protection against diseases and viruses. They create a natural immune response through exposure to a very small sample of the disease or virus. In response, your body creates antibodies. These powerful blood proteins recognize invaders, like the COVID-19 virus, and get rid of them before they can cause serious illness.
2. Vaccines help generate herd immunity.
Have you ever wondered why mumps or measles outbreaks involving young children are so dangerous? Aside from being very contagious, they can cause serious illness or death. Children cannot get their MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccines until they are a year old. But if others get their MMR vaccine, it helps protect those newborns and toddlers. That’s because these viruses have a difficult time spreading among people who are immune. This phenomenon is called herd immunity. Herd immunity happens when most of a population is vaccinated against a disease, which then protects those who are not immune. This is why it is important for everyone to get the recommended immunizations, like the MMR vaccine, and protect the most vulnerable members of our community.
3. Vaccines are easy to get, even if you don’t have insurance.
Many people don’t have health insurance, let alone a primary care doctor. But most states have easily accessible public health clinics that offer free or discounted vaccines. Federal assistance programs, like the Vaccines for Children Program, offer free childhood vaccines for low-income families.
Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are also fantastic vaccination sources. Most offer routine vaccines, like flu, tetanus and shingles, and pharmacies often have shorter wait times than you'll find at a doctor’s office. They also take walk-ins, making it more convenient to get the vaccines you need when it works best for your schedule. And if you're traveling to a country with specific vaccine requirements, travel clinics are an excellent source for these shots.
4. Vaccines are a cost-effective way to protect public health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that vaccinations will save nearly $295 billion in direct costs and $1.38 trillion in total costs over the next two decades. Childhood vaccines save an estimated $68.8 billion in total costs for children born in that year.
5. Vaccines are safe.
Before a vaccine is released to the public, it goes through clinical trials. Each vaccine is carefully tested for safety. After a vaccine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is then followed by VAERS, the national vaccine safety system. Vaccines for emergency use, like the COVID-19 vaccine, also follow the same rules.
Side effects other than a sore arm, slight fever or fatigue are rare. Many health professionals agree that the risk of serious complications from the disease itself is much higher than the risk of getting vaccinated.
The bottom line: Immunizations are important. And they save lives.
Maybe you haven't changed your mind about needles. But hopefully you have a better understanding of why immunizations are important for public health. The next time you visit your doctor or pharmacist for a vaccine, remember the value of these medical marvels. A small pinch in the arm is worth a lifetime of improved health.
Learn more about National Immunization Awareness Month here.