Recent data tells us vaccines save an estimated six million to nine million lives worldwide annually, including three million children. Since their inception in the United States, vaccinations have decreased most vaccine-preventable diseases by 95 percent.
Thanks to effective immunizations, lethal diseases to a large population such as measles and polio in the United States, and smallpox throughout the world, have been minimized or completely eliminated. Although incredible progress has been made towards keeping many diseases at bay through vaccinations, the bacteria and viruses that cause diseases are still among us, so the gains that have been made through vaccines must be maintained by ensuring that we all keep current with our prescribed vaccinations.
Vaccines protect individuals, and in doing so they also protect large populations from harmful diseases. As the percentage of vaccinated individuals increases in a given population, the odds of a susceptible individual coming in contact with an infected person decrease dramatically. Although the vaccination rate to ensure immunity to a particular disease varies by vaccine, in general it ranges from 80 percent to 95 percent of a given population.
There are many groups of people who are especially vulnerable to communicable diseases, including those who are too young to be vaccinated and those who decide for themselves or their parents decide for them, that they will not receive vaccinations due to religious or personal beliefs. Poverty and the cost of vaccinations also play a large role in some youngsters not getting the vaccinations they need.
Because vaccines are most effective when administered to children at a young age and continued on a recommended schedule, when those procedures aren’t followed it leaves many innocent children at risk for contracting various diseases, which is common in the United States. These children find themselves either not vaccinated at all or not fully vaccinated, with both failings increasing the possibility of dangerous consequences.
Despite the fact that all 50 states have mandated vaccination guidelines for schoolchildren older than age 5 who attend a state-licensed day care facility or school, a growing number of nonmedical exemptions have emerged in recent years with the result being an increased risk of infectious disease outbreaks, especially among children. When that happens, entire populations become more susceptible to contracting a vaccine-preventable disease.
For adults, there are vaccination mandates for those who work in certain health care facilities, immigrants seeking permanent residence in the U.S. and individuals serving in the military. However, the majority of vaccination mandates apply only to children.
In understanding how effective vaccinations are in keeping individuals and entire populations healthy, an individual’s refusal to be vaccinated, or their decision to keep members of their family from receiving necessary vaccinations, must be taken seriously and discouraged. Every effort must be made to inform individuals standing in the way of immunizations to fully understand the serious risks they’re inflicting on themselves or those they’re responsible for.
Large populations receiving vaccinations in the fight against smallpox consigned that dreaded disease to the ash heap of history. With similar worldwide cooperation, the same result is attainable in order to get rid of polio, measles and many other diseases once and for all.
If you have concerns or questions about vaccine-preventable diseases or are in need of a primary care physician for yourself or someone else, please call 317-880-8687 or visit www.eskenazihealth.edu/doctors.
Dr. Nydia Nunez-Estrada
Family Medicine Physician at Eskenazi Health