24 Jan 2011
This winter there has been a dramatic rise in influenza across much of Ontario, including Simcoe Muskoka. But the number of people who were vaccinated against influenza is down – well below the norms of past years, in fact.
It cannot be said for certain that the low vaccine uptake is related to the surge in illness. But we know the value of immunization against infectious diseases. Immunization is one of the greatest public health advances in history, and the flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent the serious illness of influenza.
Concerns that circulate about vaccines have been dispelled by science time and again, yet they persist, no doubt in part because we no longer have a memory of the terrible impact of vaccine-preventable diseases. Here are a few facts to counter what you may have heard about vaccines.
Myth: If I live a healthy lifestyle I won’t need vaccines.
FACT: Staying healthy will increase the body’s ability to fight infection. However, many illnesses can still make you sick even if you are healthy. Coming down with the flu, measles or mumps is not an experience you want to go through.
Myth: Vaccines are bad for my body and too many vaccines may harm my immune system.
FACT: Vaccines strengthen the immune system by safely introducing an antigen to the body. The immune system learns to recognize this disease, preparing the body to fight it off quickly. Vaccines are not strong enough to overload the immune system’s memory.
Myth: Vaccinations are not really effective. Many people still get sick after being vaccinated.
FACT: Vaccines are very effective although they are never 100 per cent effective. Countries where immunization rates have dropped have seen a rise in disease rates and death. Vaccines like the one for influenza are created from dead virus: you cannot become ill from a dead virus.
Myth: Vaccinations cause Alzheimer disease, autism and other illnesses.
FACT: The one study linking autism to a type of vaccine has been proven to be fraudulent and the British doctor who authored it discredited. Research continues to ensure there are no serious risks from vaccines. It is known that there are some slight risks of reaction to vaccines; these are reported and monitored to improve safety.
It’s more than just personal protection. As more people are immunized, the risk of disease for everyone is reduced, protecting the entire community, reducing demand on hospital beds and maintaining a productive workforce. This year’s influenza vaccine is an almost perfect match for the strain of flu circulating in the province. If you have not had your flu shot, it is not too late to talk to your health care provider.
For more information about immunizations, visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org or call Your Health Connection weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.
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Dr. Gardner is Simcoe Muskoka’s medical officer of health.
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