Medical Edge Newspaper Column

Why Vaccination Is Still Important

May 14, 2007
Readers:
Vaccines have helped eradicate diseases such as diphtheria, polio and measles in the United States, but they sometimes still get a bad rap. Some people believe that they aren't effective or may cause dangerous side effects, or say they aren't needed because most vaccine-preventable diseases are no longer a major threat.

It's true that vaccines aren't 100 percent effective. But most routine childhood vaccinations reduce the likelihood of illness by 85 percent or more. During an outbreak, some who have been vaccinated still may develop the illness. However, they usually have a milder case. The most common side effects from vaccines are minor and temporary -- such as a mild fever or soreness at the injection site.

Vaccines are still necessary. Diseases now rare in the United States are still common elsewhere, and they are just a plane ride away.

Vaccines aren't just for kids, either. Influenza vaccination is recommended annually for adults age 50 and older, those with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems, health care workers and those in contact with young children. And meningitis vaccination is recommended for high-risk adults with weakened immune systems, for those traveling to certain countries; or during a community outbreak, for example, on a college campus.

Talk with your doctor about these and other vaccinations that might benefit your health.