Vaccines 101: What Immunizations Are & 6 Reasons Why They’re Important for Everyone by Sophia L. Thomas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP

Vaccines are among the most significant scientific breakthroughs of our time, but misinformation has people opting out and getting sick as a result. Part of the problem is vaccines are too effective – most people don’t know what it’s like to live through a polio or smallpox outbreak, and many are just now learning that measles is far more contagious than the flu. Here’s a review of what vaccines are and why they are critical:

• Vaccines prevent diseases by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against certain bacteria or viruses.

• Vaccines are the best way to prevent measles, whooping cough, polio, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, chickenpox and more.

• Vaccines prevent more than 2.5 million deaths each year.

• A vaccinated population creates herd immunity – which protects people who can’t be vaccinated.

• Vaccines are safe, and it’s been proven that they do not cause autism.

• One unvaccinated person who contracts a disease can cause an outbreak. 

Vaccines are an essential part of public health, but only if enough people get them. Don’t underestimate the devastation of disease just because you don’t see people suffering every day. An outbreak is just a person away, so protect yourself and your family. 

To learn more, visit WeChooseNPs.org.

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