National Immunization Awareness Month: the importance of vaccination for disease prevention

Aug 9, 2021

As part of our unrelenting commitment to providing a better way in healthcare, Abarca supports the importance of vaccines for disease prevention and building a culture of preparedness, especially as we face a new reality brought on by the ongoing pandemic. This year, we commemorate National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) to highlight the benefits of vaccinations for people of all ages.

Why vaccinate? 

Vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses to help you safely develop immunity to certain diseases, or significantly reduce your chances of developing infections that at one time readily harmed infants, children, and adults. However, the viruses and bacteria that cause these diseases still exist, posing a threat to those who are not vaccinated.

Healthcare providers have had to change how they operate to provide essential services to patients since the pandemic hit. Making sure that immunization services are maintained is crucial to protect communities from vaccine-preventable diseases and to minimize the disturbance of respiratory illness in the upcoming influenza season.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides “Vaccination Guidance During a Pandemic” as a collection of federal resources designed to guide vaccine planning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Various efforts were put in place around the world, including stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In turn, these efforts have resulted in a decrease in the utilization of routine preventive medical services, including, immunizations. Getting routine vaccinations prevents illnesses that lead to unnecessary doctor visits, hospitalizations, and further strain on the healthcare system.

In the coming influenza season, the influenza vaccination will be essential to reduce the impact of respiratory illnesses in the population and can help decrease further burdens on the healthcare system.

The COVID-19 Vaccine

Getting vaccinated prevents severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Unvaccinated people should get vaccinated and continue masking until they are fully vaccinated. With the Delta variant, this is more urgent than ever. CDC has updated guidance for fully vaccinated people based on new evidence on the Delta variant.

In our quest for a better way in healthcare, Abarca goes all in to spread the word on the importance of vaccinations to patients, parents, and caregivers. We promote the health and safety protocols and procedures outlined by the CDC and international entities like the World Health Organization (WHO), to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

As we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, many questions may arise regarding the vaccine and who should or should not receive it at a given moment. We strongly advise seeking the guidance and education of a healthcare professional. You can also learn more about where to get a free vaccine, possible side effects, and answers to FAQs regarding the COVID vaccine here.

Learn more about the vaccines recommended by the CDC for children, adults, and travelers, and talk to your healthcare professional about which are right for you and your loved ones.

This blog was written by Ana Rivera, Clinical Programs Manager at Abarca Health.

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