The race to work on a COVID-19 vaccine has put immunizations at the forefront of many headlines. But what about the other routine vaccinations recommended for most people?
As the COVID-19 pandemic ravages the healthcare system
and hinders access to care for patients, routine preventive medical services and
associated actions have taken a backseat. Preventative vaccinations have certainly
not been immune to the consequences of reduced healthcare-seeking intention and
use.
Patients and families may be increasingly concerned to
utilize healthcare especially for preventative actions like keeping up with their
immunization schedule. According to the California Department of Public Health, vaccinations for children
decreased in April by more than 40% compared to last year. Hospitals, physicians’ offices, and other
health centers may be falsely assumed to carry higher-risk for becoming
infected with COVID-19, leading to a decrease in use of routine preventive
medical services. However, with healthcare teams and centers taking substantial
steps to ensure patient safety, people can keep up with well visits without
fear of catching coronavirus. The CDC has updated guidance
for healthcare providers that administer vaccines, and health centers are
working to minimize chance of exposure. Now more than ever is it vital to keep
up with immunizations.
There are many diseases and infections that can be
prevented by following recommended guidance and an immunization schedule. You
can find the appropriate immunization schedule as recommended by the CDC below:
Immunization Schedules
Birth to 15 Months of Age
18 Months to 18 Years of Age
Adults Aged 18 Years and Older
As fall and the upcoming flu season approaches,
becoming ill from COVID-19 and the flu presents a concern to public health. In
fact, it is possible to become infected with COVID-19
and the flu at the same time. The CDC advises all people over 6 months of
age get a yearly flu vaccine. In addition, the CDC says that getting a flu
vaccine is important to be able to distinguish viral symptoms of COVID-19 and the
flu. At this time, it appears that COVID-19 is more deadly than the seasonal
flu, however, during the 2018-2019 season, it is estimated that 34,200
Americans lost their lives from the flu making prevention essential.
While the flu and pneumonia vaccines do not protect
against COVID-19, bacteria that causes pneumonia persists outside of coronavirus.
If you fall into any of the following
groups, it is still recommended to get the pneumonia vaccine:
All babies and children younger than 2 years old.
All adults 65 years or older.
Adults 19 through 64 years old who smoke cigarettes.
Children older than 2 and adults younger than 65 who have certain chronic diseases (those that affect the heart, lung, and kidney).
Those who are at increased risk for certain diseases (diabetes, chronic heart, lung, and liver disease) and those who have impaired immune systems.
It is best to continue routine preventive healthcare
like receiving recommended immunizations according to the appropriate schedule
and your doctor’s advice than to risk becoming sick with an infection that
could have been prevented especially during the pandemic. For more information
and resources, please visit the links below:
