Fighting vaccine fears with facts

Childhood vaccinations/immunizations save about 4 million lives yearly,¹ yet immunization rates continue to decline across Indiana.

From 2019 to 2023, the average immunization rate decreased from 72% to 56.4%.^{2 3}

And while Monroe County remains in the top 10 list for vaccination rates, it’s dropped from third to ninth, while Greene and Lawrence counties are no longer on the list even though they were in fifth and eighth place (respectively) in 2019. ^{2 3}

Scot Moore, MD, Riley Children’s Health pediatrician, attributes these declines to “mistrust in science, resistance to mandates and the ‘My body, my choice’ sentiment.”

His goal is to rebuild trust in vaccinations, so Hoosier children are better protected against the potentially deadly diseases these tools fight.

A blueprint for fighting disease

Immunizations were made to help the body know how to fight diseases that left many people, including children, dead or with long-term health issues.

“Immunizations, or vaccinations, involve giving inactivated germs or small pieces of germs to the body via shots, nasal sprays, or oral drops,” says Moore. “This helps the immune system learn to fight off serious illnesses in the future.”

And the results show they’ve helped save countless lives.

“Many diseases we vaccinate against are now rare in the U.S. but common globally,” he says. “Measles cases are an example of a previously rare disease rising among unvaccinated children in the nation, and it doesn’t need to be this way.”

Simple facts

“Vaccinations are safe, effective and necessary to protect our most vulnerable children,” says Moore.

They also help decrease the risk of spreading these diseases to those who are too young or unable to get immunizations for health reasons.

If cost is a concern, vaccinations are covered as part of routine preventative care for children by the Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA). That means there should be no cost barriers, deductibles, or vaccine copays, regardless of insurance status.

As to where to get a vaccine, they’re available at doctor’s offices, health departments and sometimes pharmacies.

Walking the walk

Moore lives by his recommendations and vaccinated his children according to the recommended schedule, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

“Parents want the best for their children, and while the stories and opinions they hear from others can be powerful, they can also be misleading,” says Moore. “We are fortunate to have effective and safe vaccines thanks to advances in science and medical technology.”

He explains that since vaccination skepticism has increased, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s essential to rebuild trust using accurate, science-based information and resources. Some of these include the following:

1. AAP.org
2. immunize.org
3. HealthyChildren.org
4. CDC.org
5. VaccinateYourFamily.org
6. vaccine.chop.edu/parents

If you have any questions about childhood immunizations, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s pediatrician. They are a wealth of knowledge and are already your partner in ensuring your children grow up as healthy as possible.

Resources:

• ¹https://www.cdc.gov/global-imm...

• ²https://www.in.gov/health/immu...

• ³https://www.in.gov/health/immu...