This year, there are three problematic viruses to be concerned about. Over the last few decades, these three viruses have produced countless days of suffering, and so many deaths. To name them, there is influenza, Covid, and RSV. At the same time, very effective vaccinations have been developed that decrease the chances of having significant issues with any of these diseases.

Again at the same time we as people are doubting the efficacy of vaccines. This is a world wide phenomena which started during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 52 out of 55 countries studied by UNICEF, the vaccinated numbers are dropping, especially among children. This is at the same time that study after study finds that vaccination programs are the best interventions ever implemented for public health in history.

Why do people doubt? My opinion is that much of the information and influence that is anti-vaccine is either created by politicians vying for power by any means available, and by unfortunate people who are unwittingly blaming vaccines for something that was bad luck. Many of us are easily swayed by these impassioned pleas, especially when we consider vaccination for our own children. The actual science and studies that support vaccines, especially the flu shot, and all the childhood vaccines, are solid in their support of safety and efficacy. This is an amazing thing! I’ve had the unfortunate experience of seeing folks with polio and hepatitis B, both diseases that can be prevented by vaccination. These are horrible diseases that we do not want running rampant across the world! Yet a passionate plea can lay a seed of doubt in one’s mind, and then we can make a decision based on emotional pull rather than sound judgment.

We love watching a good movie and the fact that we can drive over to the city for a night out and be back in our homes for a sound rest. The only reason we can do this is because we use the technology that bright human beings developed to help us have an easier life. As a nurse I can say with 100% assurance that a life with less disease is an easier life. So, I say jump on the technology train! You are using high level tech to read this post, so get a high level vaccine to save you from a miserable disease. The lack of infectious disease in our time is truly the best thing about being alive today!

Check out these websites which help lead you to the right vaccines at the right time:

The CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html

The WHO: https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization#tab=tab_1

The Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/vaccine-guidance/art-20536857#:~:text=Vaccines%20can%20protect%20against%20getting,strong%20immune%20response%20to%20vaccination.