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National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is a campaign held each August to raise awareness on the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.1 It is especially important for patients with chronic health conditions to be up to date on recommended vaccinations, since they are at increased risk for complications from certain vaccine-preventable diseases.8
Importance and Safety of Immunizations
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines immunization as a process by which a person becomes protected against a disease through vaccination.2 Immunizations save lives as they offer protection against numerous diseases. Without vaccines, people with weakened immune systems are more at risk.4
If you are concerned about the safety of vaccinations, know that they are thoroughly tested before being released to the public.4 Both the CDC and FDA continue to track the safety of all licensed vaccines.5 The CDC tracks the safety of vaccinations through The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). VAERS was created in 1990 to detect any potential safety issues with U.S. vaccines. If anyone experiences problems after an immunization, they can submit a report to VAERS. This monitoring system makes it possible to spot any unusual side effects from vaccinations as well as identify any risks for health issues related to vaccinations. If you are ever concerned about the safety of immunizations, you can have peace of mind knowing they are constantly being monitored.6
Adult and Childhood Vaccine Preventable Diseases
Below are some serious adult and childhood diseases that can be prevented by vaccinations.2
Chickenpox
Diphtheria
Flu (Influenza)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Measles
Mumps
To discover more vaccine preventable diseases, check out: Diseases and the Vaccines That Prevent Them | CDC.
Effectiveness of Vaccinations
Facts and figures that show the effectiveness of vaccinations:
According to the World Health Organization, immunizations prevent 2-3 million deaths every year from vaccine-preventable diseases.7
It is estimated that vaccinations prevented 26 million cases of childhood disease in the U.S. in the past decade.7
The flu vaccination can reduce the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60%.5
What Vaccinations Do I Need?
The CDC produced a vaccination schedule for all to follow (the recommended schedule can be found here). Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about your vaccination history or what vaccine requirements you have.
How Pharmacists can Help
Pharmacists are also in a unique position to identify those patients who are in target groups for certain vaccinations.3 They may also be able to ease the fears of many patients by providing them with facts such as clinical data and by dispelling common misconceptions and myths about vaccinations; they can also stress the significant risks associated with not being vaccinated.
Tria Health was founded on the belief that pharmacists play a vital role in the management of high-risk patients. With Tria, you have the option of receiving a one-on-one private consultation with one of Tria Health’s pharmacists over the phone. During your consultation, your pharmacist will review all your current medications, including vitamins, supplements and lifestyle habits. Your pharmacist will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding vaccinations.
Questions?
Call the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742
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