Why Vaccines Are More Important Than Ever

Vaccines are one of the most effective tools in modern medicine, saving millions of lives around the world by preventing the spread of infectious diseases. But despite their proven safety and effectiveness, in recent years vaccination rates have fallen. This has led to a resurgence of preventable diseases like measles, whooping cough, influenza, and others.

“We can have the false sense that even without vaccines, we are protected – that our children are safe. Despite the fact that vaccines have reduced and eliminated deadly diseases, outbreaks still occur, we must continue to vaccinate [everyone] to enjoy the protection that vaccines can provide,” says Dr. Tamisha Jones, Interim Chief Medical Officer at Legacy Community Health.

Vaccines Are Safe and Effective

Vaccines work by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognize and fight harmful pathogens, offering people protection against potentially life-threatening illnesses. The introduction of a weakened or inactive form of a virus or bacteria into a person’s body triggers an immune response, mimicking natural infection, and through that allows the body to build immunity against actual disease pathogens without experiencing the severe symptoms of the disease itself.

Decades of extensive and rigorous scientific research have demonstrated that vaccines are both safe and effective. Before they’re approved for public use, every vaccine undergoes extensive clinical trials involving thousands of participants. Once a vaccine is publicly available, it continues to be monitored by health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)..

Childhood vaccines undergo the same safety process as that for adults. “Vaccines are only given to children after a long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and healthcare professionals. Children generally only experience temporary tenderness and redness at the injection site. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than these possible side effects for almost all children,” says Dr. Jones.

The Resurgence of Preventable Illnesses and Diseases

Declining vaccination rates have led to a resurgence of diseases that were once under control.
For example measles, which is highly contagious, has returned in alarming numbers. Approximately 1 in 5 unvaccinated individuals who contract the disease require hospitalization, making it an extremely serious public health issue. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reports that as of March 7, there are 198 confirmed cases of measles in the state, with 23 patients hospitalized and one reported death, that of a school-aged child.

Pertussis, otherwise known as whooping cough, is also on the rise in Texas. It’s a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes prolonged coughing fits which can last weeks or months. It can make breathing difficult and also cause vomiting. Pertussis is particularly dangerous for infants, for whom it can lead to pneumonia and even death​​.

Meanwhile, the United States is experiencing its most severe season of flu in at least 15 years.
According to the CDC, as of March 1, 2024 there have been at least 40 million flu-related illnesses, 520,000 hospitalizations, and 22,000 deaths, including 114 pediatric deaths, this season.

These numbers emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated to prevent severe illness in children, adults, and seniors, and to safeguard local communities.

Make Getting Vaccinated a Priority

Staying up to date with immunizations is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community. This is especially important for the most vulnerable among us, such as children, pregnant individuals, those with underlying medical conditions, and seniors.

Public health officials continue to stress the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent disease outbreaks. The CDC publishes a comprehensive list of diseases and the vaccines that prevent them.

“Vaccinating according to the recommended immunization schedule is designed to protect infants and children early in life, when they are most vulnerable and before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases,” says Dr. Jones.

Even if someone hasn’t received the recommended immunizations as a child, they can do so now as an adult – it’s never too late.

Contact Legacy Community Health to Set Up a Vaccine Appointment

Vaccines can protect people from serious illnesses, which is why Legacy Community Health is dedicated to making vaccines accessible to everyone. “We have…heard the call to action,” Dr. Jones recently stated. “What we do at Legacy is take care of our entire community, and we are happy to do so.”

Visit Legacy Community Health or call (832) 548-5000 to schedule a vaccination appointment or get your questions answered. Protect yourself and those around you – get vaccinated today!