The Importance of Vaccinations: 3 Ways Vaccines Can Protect Your Health
Even though vaccines have saved many lives, vaccines remain a controversial topic, especially since COVID-19. While many people choose to stay on top of their preventive vaccinations, some still wonder if they can truly prevent illness. Here are three ways that vaccinations help you and the world stay healthy.
3 Ways Vaccines Help Your Health
Vaccines help prevent disease
Did you know that by the end of the 20th century in the United States, two diseases that people received vaccinations for were nearly eradicated, and the death rates for the others were significantly lowered? In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 4 million deaths are prevented every year with people being vaccinated worldwide.
Vaccines can help prevent diseases in you and your loved ones that would have previously caused serious illness or death. Currently, the number of recommended routine vaccines has increased to cover the following 15 diseases:
- Chickenpox
- Coronavirus-19
- Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DTaP or Tdap) combination
- Haemophilus influenza B (Hib)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Influenza
- Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) combination
- Meningococcal disease
- Meningococcal A, B, C, W, Y
- Pneumococcal disease
- Polio
- Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) combination
- Varicella zoster
Vaccines help protect your community
Being vaccinated not only benefits your health, but it may also help protect your loved ones and the community. By being vaccinated, you can help prevent the spread of disease and protect vulnerable individuals by not spreading viruses as you interact within your home and community.
In fact, areas that have most people within that community vaccinated could provide a higher rate of protection of the entire community, which is known as herd immunity. So, encourage your loved ones and neighbors to vaccinate for the betterment of the entire community and those to come.
Vaccines help keep older adults healthy
Although it’s important that children are vaccinated, did you know that it’s equally as important for older adults to receive their vaccinations? As you age, you can become more susceptible to certain diseases. And after years without exposure, your immunity to diseases may decrease over time.
However, you can increase your chances of a long, healthy life by receiving boosters and other vaccines in adulthood. Talk to your doctor about what vaccines are right for you and how they can reduce your risk of cancer, meningitis, shingles, and other conditions.
Stay on top of wellness with IntuneHealth
IntuneHealth is a new approach to primary care for people 65+ on a Medicare Advantage plan. We specialize in caring for older adults and offer proactive, preventive primary care to keep you healthy — including walk-in visits and same-day appointments for patients — so you can spend more time living your best life. Our doctors will help you stay updated with your screenings and vaccinations, such as your free annual flu shot covered by your Medicare Advantage plan!
We also offer events and programs to keep our patients healthy, active and connected, such as yoga and cooking classes. Make sure to book your one-on-one tour of your local center, or call us today at 1 (844) 646-8863!
