As respiratory viruses continue to spread and thrive, researchers continue to find ways to stop or slow transmission. The goal is to protect the most vulnerable from more serious illness, hospitalization and death from a virus that would usually be a mild infection in a healthy adult.
Most people do not realize that their vaccination isn’t just to protect themselves. It helps protect the very young, elderly and immunocompromised.
A recent survey on vaccination decisions showed some contradictory thoughts and misunderstanding. Most of those surveyed felt strongly that they did all they could to prevent the spread of seasonal viruses but also said they don’t think their decision about vaccination affects others. One-third of those surveyed think vaccination is unnecessary if they are not high risk.
While a vaccination does protect the individual vaccinated, it also helps the people around you, especially those more at risk. The higher percentage of the population vaccinated, the less possibility for vaccine preventable diseases to spread. Vaccinations have prevented diseases that used to cause serious harm, disabilities and death.
Even after the astronomical losses of the COVID-19 pandemic in both vulnerable and otherwise healthy individuals, 66% of those surveyed believe they would recover quickly if they became ill with COVID-19 or influenza. One-third have no concerns regarding the uptick in respiratory illnesses. One-quarter do not believe respiratory illness are a big deal and don’t think they need a flu shot if they never had the flu.
Viral illnesses also interrupt school and work, burden the economy and health care systems. When considering your vaccine choices, realize it is not just about you. Your decision could save a life as well as contribute to the greater good of this crazy world.
Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
Take care of yourself and someone else.
Westfield Health Department staff and Board of Health members Juanita Carnes, FNP-BC, Carrie Hildreth-Fiordalice, LICSW, and Stan Strzempko, M.D., are dedicated to protecting the public health of this community and keeping you safe.
