August observance emphasizes importance of immunizations

  • Published
  • By Robert Goetz
  • Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

The National Public Health Information Coalition sponsors National Immunization Awareness Month in August to celebrate the benefits of vaccination and underscore the importance of following a lifelong regimen of vaccines.

It’s a message that is echoed daily at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Medical Clinic.

“Vaccine-preventable illnesses are a large cause of suffering and death across the globe,” said Capt. (Dr.) Adam Faizi, 359th Medical Group director of immunizations. “We’re fortunate to have access to vaccines, not just to prevent death, but the complications of all these illnesses.”

It is especially important for parents to take advantage of this access to vaccines for their children, Faizi said.

“A great example is measles,” he said. “We’ve seen multiple measles outbreaks in recent years and major complications might include neurologic, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. If more than 80 percent of the population is immunized against vaccine-preventable illnesses, the likelihood of an outbreak of those illnesses is extremely small.”

Childhood vaccines are responsible for preventing multiple diseases, Faizi said. They include pneumococcal pneumonia, haemophilus influenza B, hepatitis A and B, polio, chicken pox, meningococcal meningitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella and human papillomavirus.

Vaccines for these diseases are recommended at birth and ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 15-18 months, 4-6 years and 11-12 years, he said.

August is typically a busy month for immunizations because it’s back-to-school time, but Faizi said the clinic recommends vaccinations timed with a child’s birthday, not the beginning of school.

Yearly flu shots are also recommended starting at the age of 6 months and continuing throughout adulthood, Faizi said. The influenza vaccine is typically available at the JBSA-Randolph clinic sometime in September.

“We encourage everyone to get an annual influenza vaccine,” he said. “Those most at risk for flu-related complications are the very young, the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems and/or chronic diseases.” The only change for the coming flu season is that the nasal mist will not be offered, Faizi said.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that FluMist nasal influenza vaccine is no longer offered due to data showing that it was not sufficiently effective,” he said.

The HPV vaccine is also recommended, Faizi said. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection.

This vaccine, which is recommended for boys and girls starting at age 11, prevents nine strains of the virus that can cause genital warts in boys and girls as well as cancers of the cervix, genitals, anus and throat.

There is a misconception that receiving the HPV vaccine results in more promiscuous behavior, Faizi said.

“It’s been proven there is no increase in the amount of risk-taking behavior by those who’ve had the vaccine as opposed to those who haven’t,” he said. “In addition, the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.”

Older people should get an annual flu shot and receive the shingles vaccine at 60 years old and the pneumonia vaccine at 65, Faizi said. A tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years.

Staff Sgt. Tiffany Jones, 359th MDG Immunization Clinic NCO in charge, said vaccines are safe and reduce health care costs.

“Through numerous studies, scientists and health care professionals have shown vaccines are safe and effective, with side effects being minimal redness and soreness at the site of the injection,” she said. “Immunizations can also save families time and money by avoiding hospitalization or long-term disability care.”

However, people who have had a severe adverse reaction to any vaccine should not receive it and seek advice from their primary care doctor, Faizi said.

Immunization clinic hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday. Smallpox vaccinations by appointment only are reserved for 3:30 p.m. Friday, but if none are scheduled, the clinic remains open until 4:30 p.m.

Throughout August, an information table in the family health waiting area is providing beneficiaries with pamphlets and other literature touting the benefits of regular immunizations.