Getting vaccines at the recommended times is the best way to protect against serious diseases. This month, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) encourages you to talk with your healthcare providers about which vaccines you and your family members need to protect yourself from preventable diseases.
Why is it important to get regular immunizations?
Many people believe that natural or herd immunity will keep them safe or that the diseases we vaccinate against no longer exist. This is not true. Diseases like polio or measles are rare because many generations have been vaccinated against them. However, these diseases do still exist, and outbreaks can occur worldwide. They can also do lasting damage to your body. By getting vaccinated, you protect yourself and those around you, making major outbreaks less likely.
How do vaccines protect us?
Some people believe that vaccines will make them sick or cause autism in children. This also is not true. Vaccines help our immune systems fight infections faster and more effectively than they could on their own. Vaccines are made from very small amounts of weak or dead germs, which spark your immune response and train your body to recognize these germs and fight them off. While you might experience mild side effects from the vaccine, like soreness at the injection site or a short period of illness, these are minimal compared to the illnesses the vaccine is protecting you from.
The idea that vaccines cause autism came from a study that was discredited and retracted. This connection has never been accurately confirmed.
How do we know that vaccines are safe?
Each vaccine goes through many studies to ensure they are safe and effective and to determine correct dosage. Vaccine trials involve many participants to confirm their safety. Once determined to be safe, the vaccine is sent to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval, where it undergoes further evaluation and inspection. This rigorous process ensures that the vaccines you take are safe and effective at keeping you healthy!
Where can I learn more?
Visit the CDC’s website for more information about how to keep yourself and the people you love healthy: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/diseases/index.htmlÂ