From Darren Pipp, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer, Monroe Clinic
To the editor:
If you could do something simple today to save your child from facing a life-altering medical diagnosis down the road, would you?
Of course you would. And you can with the help of routine vaccines.
Our ability to save lives through vaccination is stronger than ever. Take measles for instance. Before the measles vaccine was developed, each year the disease caused 400 to 500 deaths, 48,000 hospitalizations, and 1,000 cases of encephalitis (brain swelling).
While vaccination has led to a dramatic decline of infectious diseases like measles, these illnesses can be quite common in other parts of the world, and travelers can transport them to the U.S. As a result, we've seen pockets of outbreaks where many parents opt not to vaccinate their children.
While healthcare choices often only affect the individual making the choice, the decision to get vaccinated (or not) affects many. The stakes are high; therefore, it's important we all know the facts as we make informed healthcare choices on behalf of ourselves, our children and our community.
Which is why Monroe Clinic is launching the "Get Real. Get Vaccinated." campaign.
The goal of "Get Real. Get Vaccinated." is to present the reality behind the life-saving impact of routine vaccines.
Did you know:
n College students living in residence halls have a higher risk of meningitis?
n About 1 in 3 people in the United States develop shingles during their lifetime?
n Adults caregivers (parents, grandparents, babysitters, etc.) are often the ones who unknowingly spread dangerous diseases, like whooping cough and influenza, to babies?
Most importantly, did you know that there is a vaccine for all the diseases mentioned above?
If you are unsure if your immunizations are up to date schedule a routine check-up with your health care provider, call and talk to your doctor's nurse or log on to your electronic health record. (If you are a Monroe Clinic customer go to monroeclinic.org/mychart.)
It's that simple. Get real. Get vaccinated... And help protect yourself and the ones you love.
Take Good Care.
Chief Medical Officer, Monroe Clinic
To the editor:
If you could do something simple today to save your child from facing a life-altering medical diagnosis down the road, would you?
Of course you would. And you can with the help of routine vaccines.
Our ability to save lives through vaccination is stronger than ever. Take measles for instance. Before the measles vaccine was developed, each year the disease caused 400 to 500 deaths, 48,000 hospitalizations, and 1,000 cases of encephalitis (brain swelling).
While vaccination has led to a dramatic decline of infectious diseases like measles, these illnesses can be quite common in other parts of the world, and travelers can transport them to the U.S. As a result, we've seen pockets of outbreaks where many parents opt not to vaccinate their children.
While healthcare choices often only affect the individual making the choice, the decision to get vaccinated (or not) affects many. The stakes are high; therefore, it's important we all know the facts as we make informed healthcare choices on behalf of ourselves, our children and our community.
Which is why Monroe Clinic is launching the "Get Real. Get Vaccinated." campaign.
The goal of "Get Real. Get Vaccinated." is to present the reality behind the life-saving impact of routine vaccines.
Did you know:
n College students living in residence halls have a higher risk of meningitis?
n About 1 in 3 people in the United States develop shingles during their lifetime?
n Adults caregivers (parents, grandparents, babysitters, etc.) are often the ones who unknowingly spread dangerous diseases, like whooping cough and influenza, to babies?
Most importantly, did you know that there is a vaccine for all the diseases mentioned above?
If you are unsure if your immunizations are up to date schedule a routine check-up with your health care provider, call and talk to your doctor's nurse or log on to your electronic health record. (If you are a Monroe Clinic customer go to monroeclinic.org/mychart.)
It's that simple. Get real. Get vaccinated... And help protect yourself and the ones you love.
Take Good Care.
