April 24-30 is World Immunization Week
In 1776, when America declared independence, the average life expectancy was 35 years. Today, life expectancy in the U.S. has more than doubled — now, it’s 79 years — and vaccines and immunization programs are largely to thank.
Join us in celebrating World Immunization Week: take some time to learn a little more about one of humankind’s greatest scientific achievements and do your part to promote public health, safety, and long, happy lives with the use of vaccines.
Vaccines: A medical miracle
Of all the medical innovations in the past several hundred years, vaccines are considered the most successful. Generally affordable, accessible, and effective, vaccination is maybe the most significant public health advancement in history, with immunization preventing four to five million deaths per year and even more hospitalizations.
Vaccination makes a world of difference
Without scientific dedication to immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases, and widespread commitment to global public health, the world would be a much different place.
The number of lives saved and the difference in global quality of life is staggering — and these numbers are only part of the story:
- Global measles deaths have decreased by 73% since 2000
- Transmission of wild poliovirus (Polio) is limited to three countries now and the U.S. has been polio-free since 1797
- Before the measles vaccine, measles caused roughly 2.6 million deaths per year
- Smallpox, one of the most devastating viral diseases, was completely eradicated in 1980
- Vaccines against 10 diseases have prevented 37 million deaths in the last 2 decades — 36 million of which have been in children 5 and under
Bonus: Learn about the fascinating history of vaccines in A Brief History of Vaccination, a creative presentation from Google Arts & Culture in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO).
Take action: Maintaining immunizations
One way to support the success of vaccines is to prioritize your own. According to the CDC, all adults should have a seasonal flu shot annually, and Tdap boosters every 10 years.
Immunization is especially important for children. Vaccination should be a regular part of children’s healthcare, from infancy through adolescence. You can use the CDC’s Vaccines By Age resource to learn more about which vaccines should be administered at what age, as well as learn more about the diseases prevented and tips for post-vaccination.
Where to go for vaccines
Most vaccines are available at your doctor’s office or your local pharmacy. At Sona, we administer most recommended vaccines and our pharmacists are happy to help you determine which vaccines you or your child should receive.
Vaccines available at Sona
- Flu
- 65+ Flu
- Pneumonia
- Shingles
- Meningococcal ACWY
- Meningococcal B
- Tetanus
- Hapatitis B
- Hepatitis A*
- Chicken pox*
- HPV*
- MMR*
- Typhoid*
- Tetanus with whooping cough (Tdap)
*Must have a prescription from your provider
If you need a vaccine without a prescription, you can contact our pharmacy and let us know — we can contact your provider as needed and can bill most insurances for most vaccines. Learn more about our vaccination services here, or email our vaccination team at [email protected].
How can I do more to support world immunization?
Vaccines help make it possible for everyone to have a chance at a happy, healthy, life well-lived. If you’re looking for ways to support global immunization efforts, consider donating to any of the following groups:
Go Give One — a COVID-19 fundraising campaign providing vaccines in lower-income countries
Doctors Without Borders — an international, independent humanitarian group providing lifesaving vaccines, treatment, and epidemiological services globally
UNICEF — UNICEF vaccinates and educates more children globally than any other organization
References:
World Health Organization. Immunization. December 5 2019.
World Health Organization. Measles. December 5 2019.
