SALISBURY — In a press release from Courtney Meece, MPH, CHES, CHWC, community health manager and executive director of Healthy Rowan, it was noted that in an era where misinformation can spread faster than viruses themselves, understanding the truths about immunizations is crucial. Vaccines are not just for children; they play a vital role in protecting adults from serious illnesses. For years, immunizations have kept us safe from the worsening of infectious diseases and even helped to eradicate some including smallpox, cholera, malaria, yellow fever and more. Vaccines prevent these diseases from gaining a foothold in communities, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated, such as infants or individuals with compromised immune systems.

Let’s dunk some myths and highlight why adult immunizations are essential.

• Myth: Vaccines are unnecessary because these diseases are rare.
• Fact: Vaccines prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.

During the measles outbreak in several U.S. states in 2019, nearly 1,300 cases were reported. The majority of those affected were unvaccinated individuals. This outbreak highlighted the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of highly contagious diseases.

• Myth: Vaccines can cause autism.
• Fact: Numerous studies have debunked the link between vaccines and autism.

Multiple large-scale studies involving thousands of children have consistently shown no association between vaccines and autism. The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) continuously monitors vaccine safety. It quickly identifies and investigates any potential adverse effects. This system ensures that vaccines remain safe for widespread use.

• Myth: Natural immunity is better than vaccine-induced immunity.
• Fact: Vaccines provide immunity without the risks of natural infection.

Vaccines stimulate an immune response like that caused by natural infection, without causing illness. This immunity is often stronger and more consistent than natural immunity, which can wane over time. For diseases like tetanus or pertussis, where natural immunity does not provide long-term protection, vaccines are essential for maintaining immunity levels.

• Myth: Vaccines are only for people who haven’t been infected
• Fact: Vaccines help promote herd immunity and boost natural immunity that fades over time.

Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community is vaccinated against a contagious disease, reducing the chance of an outbreak. If enough people rely on herd immunity as the method of preventing infection from vaccine-preventable diseases, herd immunity will soon disappear.

What are immunizations protecting you from?

All adults

Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis B is a contagious viral infection of the liver spread through contact with infected body fluids such as blood or semen. This virus can lead to liver failure, yellow skin or eyes, stomach pain, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, fatigue and even death.

Influenza/flu

• Influenza, also more commonly called ‘The flu,’ is a contagious viral infection of the nose, throat and sometimes lungs. The flu can impact the respiratory system and may lead to pneumonia, sinus and ear infections, worsening of underlying health conditions like heart and lung disease, and in extreme cases, death.

COVID-19

• COVID-19 is a contagious viral infection of the nose, throat or lungs. This virus may feel just like a cold or the flu. The virus can cause pneumonia, blood clots, liver, heart or kidney damage, long COVID, and in extreme cases, death.

Tdap

The Tdap vaccine is a combination vaccine protecting against three diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

• Tetanus, also called lockjaw, is an infection caused by bacterial spores found in soil and dust; spores enter the body through wounds or broken skin. This can cause sudden, involuntary muscle spasms, jaw cramping, seizures, broken bones and difficulty breathing.

• Diphtheria is a contagious viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause thick, gray, build up in the throat or nose making breathing and swallowing difficult, heart failure, brain injury, coma and in severe cases lead to death.

• Pertussis, also called Whooping Cough, is a contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airway causing severe coughing fits, life-threatening pauses in breathing and pneumonia. This is especially dangerous for children.

Older adults

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

• RSV is a contagious viral infection of the nose, throat and sometimes lungs. This virus can lead to pneumonia and inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. RSV is especially dangerous to vulnerable populations including infants, young children and older adults.

Pneumococcal

• Pneumococcal is a bacterial infection of the ears, sinuses, lungs or bloodstream. Depending on the part of the body that is infected, this can lead to pneumonia, blood poisoning, infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.

Shingles

• Shingles, also referred to as Zoster, is caused by the chickenpox virus which lies hidden in the body and sometimes is reactive later in life. The virus can cause severe blistering rash on one side of the face or body, long-term nerve pain, hearing damage and blindness.

Why should you get vaccinated?

1. Personal health benefits: Vaccines protect adults from diseases that can cause severe illness, hospitalization or even death. For example, the flu vaccine reduces the risk of flu-related complications in adults, especially those with chronic conditions.
2. Community protection: By getting vaccinated, adults contribute to herd immunity, reducing the overall spread of diseases within the community and protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.

3. Economic impact: Vaccines save healthcare costs by preventing diseases that require expensive treatments and hospitalizations. For instance, the HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer and related healthcare costs.

Adult immunizations are a cornerstone of public health, safeguarding individuals and communities from preventable diseases. By understanding the facts and dispelling myths, we can ensure that adults make informed decisions about their health. Let’s prioritize vaccination as a vital component of a healthy lifestyle and a responsible community member. Help do your part to keep Rowan County a safe place to live, work and play.

Check out the full CDC Adult Immunization Schedule to look at all the vaccines that best fit your health needs.