Let's Talk Immunization

If you’re like us, your summer has been jam-packed with family vacations, escaping the sweltering heat, and a bit of relaxing, too! It’s not all fun and games though. As an immunizer or immunization promoter, the summer is often the busiest time of the year with parents rushing to get their kids up to date before the new school year begins. Since August is National Immunization Awareness Month, we felt it’s only appropriate to highlight why the rush and overwhelm to immunize, in the summer months especially, are so crucial to maintaining health and wellness among our families and throughout our communities.
With children spending the majority of the day together in a classroom during the year, it’s also the optimal breeding ground for many bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illness. Fortunately, a large portion of these illnesses can be prevented through routine immunizations. And for those with pre-existing health conditions that hinder them from being immunized themselves, we vaccinate so that they can be protected from illness, and benefit from community immunity.

In Washington State, the majority of us vaccinate ourselves and our families. School immunization data from the 2017-2018 school year shows that 90.6% of kindergarteners are up to date on their MMR vaccine and 85.7% of kindergarteners are up to date on all of their required immunizations— putting us one-step closer to achieving the national Healthy People 2020 goal of 95% of kindergarteners being fully vaccinated. And when outbreaks do occur, it’s a great reminder for all of us that there is still much more work to be done to protect our communities and eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases.

As public health professionals, the easiest way we can model positive health behavior is to get ourselves vaccinated, to speak positively and openly about vaccines and their benefits, and most importantly to listen to the concerns of parents and communities. With immunizations becoming such a hot topic over the last few years, whether among the media, public health sector, medical realm or general public; it’s spotlighted most when a disease outbreak or the threat of one is at play. With that, we know it has caused confusion and disputes that often make immunizations a difficult conversation to have. So, we hope the below recommendations are helpful as you strive to maintain the health and safety of your community through vaccination!

How can we achieve immunity communities?

So, in honor of National Immunization Awareness Month, consider strengthening an immunity community of your own! Have the courage to ask family members if they are up to date on their vaccines! Ask them if they got their annual flu vaccine, or if they’re planning to immunize their newborn. In having conversations with hesitant individuals, we’ve found that many don’t feel their fears are heard and acknowledged, and they often receive information from sources that are not credible. Listening with an open, non-judgmental mindset and educating hesitant individuals on the benefits of vaccines is significant for all of us. Use the tools above and if the going gets tough, remember that as a supporter of immunizations, you represent the majority, and your efforts are paramount to maintaining healthy and safe communities for all.

WithinReach is a leader in building healthy communities in Washington State. We have been a trusted link between community-based health resources, providers, and families statewide for 30 years. We are proud of our longstanding work in the immunization sphere. WithinReach has convened the Immunization Action Coalition of Washington for 24 years, led the work on two vaccine hesitancy initiatives through our partnership with Vax Northwest, and continues to activate passionate parents, educate professionals and the media, engage community partners, and protect our community from diseases that vaccines prevent. Stay up-to-date on the work we are doing by joining our monthly newsletter. Email [email protected] if you any questions!