Protecting A Community: The Significance of Vaccination
Matthew Wonnacott, MD
Vaccines help protect us from dangerous viruses and bacteria, and have changed the course of human life. Before vaccines, millions of people, many of whom were children, died from infectious diseases like polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, and measles. Once vaccines were developed and widely distributed, the rates of these diseases declined, and are now mostly unseen (and their devastating effects forgotten) in the United States.
Though U.S. cases are low, deadly diseases, with the exception of smallpox, have not been eliminated. Globally, 1.5 million people die each year of vaccine-preventable disease, and continued vaccination keeps outbreaks in other countries from spreading again within our country.
When most of a population becomes immune to a disease, it provides protection, or herd immunity, to those who cannot receive a vaccine, like infants and young children or people who have difficulty fighting infections, such as cancer patients.
While vaccination is a personal choice, in order to achieve herd immunity and protect those who cannot receive the vaccine, 75% to 90% of a population needs to be immune, and it's necessary for individuals who can get a vaccine (even though they may not be at high risk of illness) to do so.
Every vaccine, regardless of type or the way it’s given, works by teaching our bodies to recognize a disease and launch our immune system defense. As a result, vaccines are highly effective at preventing serious illness from an infection. Some viruses, such as influenza (flu) and COVID-19, change over time, so protection from a previous vaccination or infection may lessen and extra vaccinations, or “boosters,” may be needed to strengthen our immune system’s response.
After receiving a vaccine, you may experience an immune response like a headache, fever and chills, or feeling tired—this is expected and normal. Though the symptoms may resemble an illness, they are indicators your immune system is responding, not that you are infected with the virus.
Each fall kicks off the start of “cold and flu season,” mostly as a result of people spending an increasing amount of time indoors and in close contact with others. It’s a great time, if you are able, to receive the recommended vaccines and/or boosters and help protect yourself, your family, and your community.
Dr. Wonnacott is Barton Health’s chief medical officer. Contact your primary care provider or call Barton Urgent Care at 775.589.8900 to discuss vaccines that may be right for you.
