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Dr. Casey

How Vaccines Keep Us Safe from Everyday Germs

Many consider vaccines to be one of the greatest achievements in medicine. Many even consider vaccines to be one of the most important inventions in all of human history. Vaccines (which are also called vaccinations or immunizations) save millions of lives every year by helping a person’s body learn how to protect itself from certain diseases.

What do vaccines protect against?

Vaccines help protect against illnesses called infectious diseases. Infectious diseases are caused by germs like bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. These are germs we are exposed to almost every day in some way. But sometimes these germs can get into your body, multiply, and cause an infection. There are many different kinds of infectious diseases, and some of them are very common. You have probably heard of many of them and you might have even been sick with an infectious disease at some time in your life. Some examples of infectious diseases that many people have heard of are chickenpox, flu (which is short for influenza), hepatitis, measles, meningitis, and polio. These are just some examples of the many types of infectious diseases out there.

While we cannot avoid all the germs that can cause these diseases, there are things we can do to lower the chances of getting sick. One of the most important things we can do is to get vaccinated when possible. There are many safe and effective vaccines that can help protect us from different diseases. Vaccines help train your immune system to work faster and give better protection from some serious diseases.

What is the immune system?

The immune system is a complex system in your body made of organs, tissues, and cells that helps protect you from harmful germs. The main job of the immune system is to keep you healthy. When germs like bacteria and viruses get into your body and cause an infection, your immune system fights the infection and the germs that caused it. Vaccines work with your immune system to make your protection from a disease even stronger.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines help teach your immune system how to recognize and fight germs that can cause infections. Different vaccines help protect from different diseases, and many of these are serious diseases. For example, a chickenpox vaccine teaches your body to identify and fight germs that can cause chickenpox. With the help of a vaccine, your immune system can fight an infection better and faster.

Many vaccines have a very small amount of weak or dead germs for the diseases they prevent. So when you get a vaccine, your immune system thinks a bad germ has gotten into your body. The germs from the vaccine won’t make you sick, but they will make your kick your immune system into action. Your immune system will help to fight off the germ and will remember it, so if that type of germ ever enters your body again, your immune system will know to attack it. That’s right; you can be protected from a serious disease without having to get sick!

Even if a vaccine does not totally prevent a disease, it lowers the chances of the illness being as serious, which means a faster and easier recovery. It also lowers the chances of spreading the illness to others. Vaccines protect you and the people around you. Since they were invented, the number of adults, children, and babies who get sick or die from diseases that can be prevented by vaccines has gone down incredibly. Some diseases have even been eliminated thanks to vaccines!

But as long as there are germs and diseases, people will get sick. No matter how careful we are, there are many things we can’t control. That’s why it’s so important to take whatever actions we can to keep ourselves and the people around us healthy. One of the easiest things we can do with a huge impact on protecting health is getting vaccinated.

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About Dr. Casey

Dr. Casey, PhD, MPH, is Director of Epidemiology and Public Health and associate professor of family medicine at the University of South Alabama Whiddon College of Medicine with a concurrent appointment in USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Control and Prevention; she is also Director of the Masters of Public Health Program at Spring Hill College. Dr. Casey holds a masters and doctoral degrees in Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Her research interests include behavioral epidemiology, childhood/adolescent vaccination, cancer prevention, health communication, and reducing health disparities, emphasizing rural settings. Dr. Casey is a staunch advocate for increasing vaccination to lower rates of preventable diseases; she has led several studies to improve vaccine uptake.

Dr. Casey has held top leadership roles with non-profit organizations such as VAX2STOP CANCER, was elected Chair of Alabama’s Cancer Control Coalition, and is on the executive committee of Alabama’s vaccination task force. She is active in many prominent organizations, including the American Public Health Association and Society of Behavioral Medicine. With over 50 scientific publications and numerous national presentations and invited talks, Dr. Casey is a widely respected expert in the field of vaccination.

Vaccination Clinics: A Keystone for Preventive Healthcare in Tennessee

In Tennessee, a significant shift is taking place in the approach to healthcare, with vaccination clinics playing a central role. Unlike the dramatic advancements often seen with surgeries or new treatments, this change is rooted in something more basic yet profoundly impactful: the widespread availability and use of vaccination clinics. These clinics are emerging as more than just places to get vaccinated; they’re foundational to a new healthcare perspective emphasizing prevention over treatment.

Fostering a Culture of Prevention

For too long, the healthcare narrative has been dominated by treating diseases after they occur, often overlooking the immense potential of preventing them in the first place. Vaccination clinics in Tennessee are challenging this narrative, embodying the adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By providing easy and equitable access to vaccines, these clinics are not just preventing individual cases of diseases but fostering a broader culture of preventive healthcare.

Critical Access Points for Underserved Populations

One of Tennessee’s vaccination clinics’ most commendable aspects is their role in serving underserved populations. These clinics are often strategically located in areas with limited healthcare services, offering a lifeline to communities that might otherwise be neglected. By doing so, they ensure everyone has access to essential immunizations regardless of socioeconomic status. This inclusivity is crucial for building a healthier society, as it ensures that no one is left behind in the quest for disease prevention.

Education on Preventive Health Measures

Beyond administering vaccines, these clinics serve as vital educational hubs. They provide individuals and families with information on preventive health measures, empowering them to take charge of their health. This education covers various topics, from regular vaccinations to lifestyle choices that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. By doing so, vaccination clinics are helping to cultivate a more health-conscious population equipped to make informed decisions about their health.

Early Detection of Potential Outbreaks

Vaccination clinics also play a pivotal role in the early detection of potential outbreaks. By monitoring vaccination rates and patterns, these clinics can help identify areas at risk of outbreaks before they occur. This early warning system is invaluable for the state’s preparedness and response strategies, allowing for swift action to prevent the spread of diseases. In this way, vaccination clinics are not just protecting individuals; they are safeguarding the entire community’s health.

Contributing to State’s Preparedness and Response Strategies

Vaccination clinics contribute to Tennessee’s healthcare system beyond individual and community health. They are critical to the state’s preparedness and response strategies for health emergencies. These clinics help build herd immunity by ensuring high immunization levels, reducing the population’s overall vulnerability to infectious diseases. This collective protection is essential for minimizing the impact of outbreaks when they do occur, enabling a more resilient healthcare system.

Vaccination clinics in Tennessee are proving to be much more than mere points for vaccine administration. They are the keystones of a preventive healthcare culture, offering critical access to underserved populations, educating the public on health prevention, aiding in the early detection of outbreaks, and bolstering the state’s preparedness and response capabilities. As Tennessee continues to invest in these clinics, it is not just investing in vaccines; it is investing in a healthier, more resilient future for all its residents. In the grand scheme of healthcare, vaccination clinics are not just a piece of the puzzle but the cornerstone of the state’s health.

Our Role in Tennessee’s Vaccination Efforts: A First-Person Perspective from Health Hero

At Health Hero, we are deeply committed to enhancing preventive healthcare through accessible vaccination clinics across Tennessee. Our mission is to break down barriers to healthcare access, such as cost, transportation, and time, ensuring that every Tennessean can receive life-saving immunizations. We don’t just administer vaccines; we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and protected.

The significance of our work in providing vaccination clinics cannot be overstated. Our clinics serve as essential access points for vaccinations, health education, and preventive services in regions with limited healthcare resources. This effort is a cornerstone of Tennessee’s healthcare strategy, prioritizing prevention to reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases, lower healthcare costs, and enhance the overall quality of life for its residents.

Moreover, our involvement in Tennessee underscores the importance of collaboration between the public sector and private organizations in tackling public health challenges. Our success in improving public health outcomes demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when we work together with local communities, schools, and government agencies. At Health Hero, we are not just a service provider but a vital partner in the mission to foster a healthier Tennessee.

Our vaccination clinics are key to Tennessee’s preventive healthcare landscape. Through targeted interventions and a deep understanding of community needs, we believe we can significantly improve public health. As we continue to support Tennessee’s healthcare goals, the contributions of Health Hero and similar organizations will be crucial in securing a healthier future for all its citizens.

Learn more about our clinics at www.healthherotn.com

How Childhood Vaccination is Helping to Achieve Health Equity

Between 2009 and 2014, the United States saw the percentage of children aged 19 to 35 months who received the combined seven-vaccine series increase from 44.3% to 71.6%.

Everyone should be given the same chance to achieve and maintain the highest level of health. However, some disparities exist among different demographics. Status, race, ethnicity, gender, age, and disability significantly influence health outcomes. This can lead to marginalized groups being overlooked or underserved. Health professionals deal with this issue by bridging the gap with vaccinations, especially in children.

According to the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality, between 2009 and 2014, the United States saw the percentage of children aged 19 to 35 months who received the combined seven-vaccine series increase from 44.3% to 71.6%. The study found that this increase was not confined to specific demographics but cut across income levels, ethnicities, and geographical regions.

One key takeaway from this data is the power of targeted interventions and proactive outreach. Recognizing the diverse needs of different communities, healthcare professionals have implemented different strategies to engage families and address vaccination concerns. Culturally sensitive approaches, language access programs, and community partnerships have played an essential role in creating trust and enhancing vaccine uptake among historically underserved populations.

Vaccination has been and will always be a cornerstone of public health, especially in children, as it prevents the spread of infectious diseases, protects vulnerable populations, and ultimately saves lives. The significance of childhood vaccination cannot be overstated. Childhood vaccination is not only about safeguarding individual children; it’s also about promoting the health and well-being of entire communities. It’s a vital tool in our collective efforts to ensure that every child, no matter their demographic, has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Even though vaccinations are important Health equity extends beyond that and encompasses a comprehensive approach that addresses various factors influencing health outcomes. This includes equitable access to healthcare services, nutritious food, clean water, safe housing, education, and economic opportunities. By finding ways to help those experiencing social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, we can create an environment where not only children but everyone has a chance to be happy and healthy.

Achieving health equity is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing commitment that requires everyone’s sustained effort, collaboration, and dedication. By promoting equitable access to healthcare for all individuals, we can create a future where everyone has the opportunity to attain their highest level of health and well-being. Health equity is not just a goal that needs to be achieved; it’s a fundamental human right that must be upheld for everyone.

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Sources:

National Institute for Children’s Health Quality: What Health Equity Efforts Can Learn from Immunization Initiatives

World Health Organization: Health equity

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: What is Health Equity?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Childhood Immunization as a Tool to Address Health Disparities

Protecting Children Against the Tripledemic Through Vaccination

We still have a way to go before the winter season ends, but there seems to be no end in sight to this cold and flu season. This year has been especially hard on families with RSV, COVID-19, and the flu, accompanied by the common cold, creating a perfect storm of illnesses. Three pediatric influenza-related deaths in Tennessee have been reported since the flu season began in October. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 65 influenza-related pediatric deaths so far in the 2023–2024 flu season. This flu season has taken a toll on children, prompting a closer look at the importance of vaccination.

Getting Vaccinated:

Data collected by the CDC on last year’s flu season showed that 90% of the children who died were not fully vaccinated. Vaccines are our best means of fighting off severe flu complications. Children over six months must receive their vaccination during complicated influenza seasons like the one we see. Even if you have infants too young to be vaccinated, parents and caregivers can receive a vaccine, so there is a protection barrier between you and your child.

Recognizing the Different Illnesses:

With various respiratory illnesses circulating simultaneously, distinguishing RSV, the flu, and COVID-19, can be challenging. RSV commonly presents with respiratory distress, wheezing, and fever, primarily affecting infants and young children. The flu typically brings on a fever, cough, and body aches. COVID-19 symptoms in children may include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, although they might be milder than in adults. The CDC has a list of symptoms you can review to help you distinguish between these illnesses and help mitigate the spread of contagious illnesses.

For infants and toddlers, recognizing flu symptoms can be trickier. Some signs your infant may be sick include trouble feeding or sleeping and changes in behavior. Severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention include a high fever persisting for days, trouble breathing, chest pain, signs of dehydration, severe headache, and continuous vomiting.

When to Get Vaccinated:

While getting vaccinated before the peak of the flu season is generally recommended, it’s never too late. The respiratory virus season can extend into March or even later. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccinations are available throughout the year, and vaccination against respiratory infections like RSV is beneficial regardless of the specific month. The effectiveness of vaccination can vary, but receiving the vaccine later in the season still provides valuable protection against severe illness, complications, and transmission of these viruses.

Steps to Ensure Everyone is Protected:

In addition to vaccination, adopting good health habits such as avoiding close contact with sick individuals, staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, and avoiding touching the face can help prevent the spread of germs. Creating a routine around these preventive actions can help slow the spread of germs that can cause different illnesses. Adding this with vaccination can increase your chances of getting through this season happy and healthy.

With this tripledemic affecting the community, especially in Tennessee, protecting the youth from illness takes center stage. Vaccination significantly reduces the severity and impact of this cold and flu season. But it’s not the only measure to take. Parents and caregivers should also implement preventive measures and recognize early signs of symptoms to ensure children receive medical attention when needed.

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Sources:

National Library of Medicine: Spatiotemporal variations of “triple-demic” outbreaks of respiratory infections in the United States in the post-COVID-19 era

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Protect yourself and others from Flu, COVID-19, and RSV

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Pediatric Flu Deaths Top 100 this Season; Most Unvaccinated

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report

Tennessee Influenza Report

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