NANAY Health Center Observes National Immunization Awareness Month
Miami, FL - August, 2005
Immunization is an important aspect of preventive medicine appropriate for people of all ages. Despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines, thousands of cases of infectious diseases continue to occur in the US annually - diseases that could be prevented by immunization.
NANAY HEALTH CENTER, located in North Miami, is joining with other organizations throughout the country in observing National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) this August. The annual campaign theme, "Are You Up to Date? Vaccinate!," reminds persons of all ages living in the US about the importance of immunization. NIAM activities will include administration of FREE VACCINES FOR CHILDREN, Immunization across all life span, and Immunization Forums.
Vaccines are one of public health's greatest triumphs. With the exception of safe water, no other health strategy, not even antibiotics, has had such a tremendous effect on reducing disease and improving health. However, vaccine-preventable diseases and deaths still occur in the US, affecting children, adolescents and adults.
- Pneumococcal disease causes thousands of deaths and 175,000 hospitalizations each year in the US. Together, pneumonia and influenza are the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, and the sixth leading cause of death among people 65 years of age and older.
- Disease outbreaks occur when immunization rates decline. For example, from 1989 through 1991, low rates of measles, mumps and rubella immunization among pre-school aged children resulted in a measles epidemic that caused over 55,000 cases and 120 deaths.
- Chickenpox is widespread in the US, and virtually everyone who is not vaccinated is at increased risk for contracting chickenpox in adulthood. The risk of complications and death from chickenpox can be up to 10 to 20 times greater for adults than children.
- Each year in the US, there are an average of 200,000 influenza-related hospitalizations and 36,000 influenza-related deaths. Approximately 340,000 children and adolescents have chronic illnesses placing them at increased risk for influenza disease and its complications.
- Nearly one-third of the 12,000 annual cases of meningococcal disease in the United States result in fatalities or severe disabilities. In 2002, an estimated 150 deaths due to meningococcal disease occurred in the United States. Infants under 12 months of age have the highest rates of disease. The proportion of cases among adolescents and young adults has increased in recent years.
Immunization is a lifelong, life-protecting community effort. Recommended vaccinations begin soon after birth and should continue throughout life. By protecting ourselves and our families with recommended vaccines, we also protect those around us who would otherwise be exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases.
In August, parents are enrolling children in school, older students are entering college and adults and the health care community are preparing for the upcoming flu season. This makes August a particularly good time to focus community attention on the value of immunization.
The viruses and bacteria that cause vaccine-preventable diseases and death still exist and can infect people who are not protected by vaccines. Vaccine-preventable diseases have a costly impact, resulting in doctor's visits, hospitalizations and premature deaths. Sick children can also cause parents to lose time from work.
Maintaining high immunization rates protects the entire community by interrupting the transmission of disease-causing bacteria or viruses. This reduces the risk that unimmunized people will be exposed to disease-causing agents. This type of protection is known as community or herd immunity, and embodies the concept that protecting the majority with safe, effective vaccines also protects those who cannot be immunized for medical reasons.
NANAY HEALTH CENTER encourages people of all ages to learn more about the recommended vaccines, and to make sure that they are up-to-date.
For more information on immunization across the lifespan, contact
NANAY HEALTH CENTER at
(305) 981-4000.