As a public health practitioner, health communication researcher, and a mother, Suellen Hopfer, PhD, associate professor of health, society, and behavior at the UC Irvine Program in Public Health, vaccinates herself and her family to protect against diseases like hepatitis, human papillomavirus (HPV), influenza, COVID-19, and more. With most schools in California back in session already, Dr. Hopfer explores the importance of childhood vaccination and addresses common concerns to help parents make informed decisions going into the 2023 flu season.
Understanding the importance of childhood vaccination
Vaccines not only help prevent disease but also keep children from getting severe symptoms that would require them to stay home or needing to be hospitalized. When children experience severe symptoms, it creates a domino effect where students having to miss school, working parents must take time off, and all social activities are halted.
It may be easy to become complacent about annual vaccinations, but with each new year, we face a new strain or variant that our bodies may not be prepared for. For now, scientists cannot predict who experiences severe illness, so it is important to continuously vaccinate every year with the most up-to-date vaccine formula. Researchers are only now understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19, such as the internal trauma to our lungs and blood vessels. For children who experience severe illness to infectious diseases, the long-term effects can make them more vulnerable to other diseases down the road.
Stick to the facts about vaccines
Fact 1: Vaccines are safe. Vaccines undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy among their intended recipients, both children and adults, as mandated by law. There are years of research-building evidence on the safety of vaccines and their benefits in protecting us all from disease.
Fact 2: Even if you are healthy, you still need to get vaccinated. Vaccines are important to get whenever recommended by your healthcare provider. Imagine a high school football player is brought in to play for one of the NFL football teams – that high school player is experienced, but not prepared to play at that level. Similarly, vaccines help prepare and protect your body for the big leagues, which is when you are exposed to the disease.
Fact 3: It is now more accessible than ever to get a vaccine. In the past, it was difficult for parents to find time during working hours to take their children to their pediatrician to get their vaccines. Today, almost all vaccines, especially for the flu and COVID-19, are readily available at local pharmacies, grocery stores, and even at some schools. It is more accessible now than ever before for parents to get their children vaccinated – conveniently. But we still need to do more to make it more accessible for communities that face barriers to healthcare access. Whether it is employer vaccination programs for parents or school pop-up clinics, our leaders can also help drive vaccine equity alongside parents.
Vaccinating children is not just a medical decision; it’s a commitment to the health and safety of our communities. It’s about safeguarding the most vulnerable among us. Vaccines are the best protection against disease, in addition to practicing good hygiene habits, sleeping and eating well, and staying home if you don’t feel well.
Together, we can work towards a healthier and safer future for our children and our world.
