Emphasizing the Importance of Prioritizing Vaccination
In the world of health, one buzzword that stands out is the COVID-19 vaccine. However, it's important to remember that vaccinations play a crucial role in preventing various diseases, not just the coronavirus. Here's a rundown of some essential vaccines, their recommendations, and current trends.
There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines: PCV13 and PPSV23. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides recommendations on who should receive these vaccines. For PCV13, it's primarily for children younger than 2 years old, people ages 2 to 64 diagnosed with certain medical conditions, and adults ages 65 and older who should discuss with their doctor whether they should receive PCV13. PPSV23 is recommended for adults ages 65 and older, people ages 2 to 64 diagnosed with certain medical conditions, and people ages 19 to 64 who are smokers.
Another important vaccine is the HPV vaccine, which protects against sexually transmitted cancers. The CDC recommends it for children aged 11 or 12. This vaccine offers protection up to 26 years old. However, it's been noted that the HPV vaccine may not offer the same level of protection for Black women due to differences in the types of HPV they are exposed to.
The shingles vaccine is another essential vaccine that can help prevent the development of shingles. The new vaccine called Shingrix, which is given in 2 doses, 2-6 months apart, has shown to be effective.
The Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccines have received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for COVID-19. However, the J&J vaccine had temporary access halted due to concerns following adverse patient outcomes but has been clinically cleared to have its access reinstated.
In addition to these, there are two types of meningitis vaccines: MenACWY and MenB. The CDC provides recommendations on who should receive these vaccines. The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for children ages 11 to 12, with a booster dose given at 16, and for children and adults who have an increased chance for contracting the bacteria that causes meningitis. The MenB vaccine is recommended for people ages 10 and older who have an increased chance for contracting the bacteria that causes meningitis.
To stay current on immunizations, it's essential to do your homework based on your health, make sure your doctor can help you keep up with the vaccines you've had and those you need, schedule a physical once a year, keep a notebook of all your vaccinations, find out what vaccines you can get at your local pharmacy, and if traveling to another country, check with your doctor about the specific vaccines you need for that country.
It's also crucial to note that none of the current COVID-19 vaccines are 100 percent effective and have known side effects, but they offer the best protection against a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Common side effects of COVID-19 vaccines include redness, swelling, and itching at the injection site, fever, chills, fatigue, and limited appetite. Most side effects should clear within a few days to a week.
Lastly, it's important to address the disparities in vaccination rates, with Black women receiving vaccines less than their white counterparts. Cultural gaps in vaccination between Black women and their white counterparts in the United States arise mainly due to historic and systemic racial discrimination, medical mistrust, and disparities in healthcare access and quality. These factors lead to hesitancy and reduced vaccination rates among Black women compared to white women.
For instance, in the 2019-20 flu season, an estimated 63% of white adults received a flu shot, compared to a lower percentage of Black adults. Furthermore, the lack of people getting a flu shot is linked to more severe illness and higher rates of deaths due to flu in Black communities.
In conclusion, vaccinations play a vital role in preventing various diseases, and it's essential to stay updated on the recommendations for each vaccine. By following the guidelines and addressing the disparities in vaccination rates, we can work towards a healthier and safer future for all.
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