Tag: vaccine

Measles, Childhood Immunizations, and Washington State

Posted on by Nicol Walsh

Overview:

  • Increasing outbreaks of measles are happening in Washington State and across the country, due to fewer people being vaccinated against measles
  • Measles is not only a childhood disease. Adults can also get measles
  • Complications from measles are dangerous and can lead to long-term illness, disability, and even death
  • Families need to know about measles complications and that vaccines protect not only their family but other people.

Full Article:

Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2019, Washington State experienced several large outbreaks of measles. Why is that an issue? Measles is a virus that is preventable through immunization (getting a vaccine) and was almost completely eliminated in the United States by 2000. This changed when a social movement popularized the idea that immunizations were not needed and that requiring them restricted people’s choices. Because measles and other viruses had been mostly eliminated, younger families were not aware of the medical risks of so-called “childhood” illnesses, especially on the adults in their lives.

Measles is highly contagious, even more so than COVID, and can quickly sweep through a school or a community space such as a daycare center, a church, or a social event. Unvaccinated people at these places or events have a high chance of getting measles. Why is this a problem? While most individuals recover from measles with little to no health impact, complications may cause severe long-term illness, disability, and even death. Some of those conditions include hearing loss, encephalitis (fluid pockets and pressure buildup on the brain), and pneumonia. If you have a child or family member who is already at high risk for a virus or disease, the fact that viruses like measles, mumps, and whooping cough are on the rise again can be very concerning.

The COVID shutdown disrupted a lot of things, and one of these was routine childhood wellness checks and immunizations. Some families have not caught up on what was missed during the shutdown. For many families, there has been a lot of confusion around vaccinations, coverage, and where to go so their children are not vaccinated against viruses like measles.

Measles vaccinations are typically done with the first dose at 12 to 15 months and the second between ages 4 and 6. If your child or family members have not been fully vaccinated, it is easy to request vaccination. Most clinics have it on hand, and it is covered through most insurance plans, even for adults because of the potential health impacts. If you are an adult and have a question about coverage, call your insurer to check. If you are on Medicare, Part D covers this vaccine. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage, it’s a good idea to check with your insurer on coverage. This can be one way to stay ahead of the game by keeping yourself and those around you healthy and strong. For families as we go into the new school year, immunizations, including measles, are still required unless you have an exemption. There are many options available if you don’t have access to a pediatric clinic for your child, and the Washington State Department of Health has made it easy to find places to get the coverage you need for your family.

The Washington State Department of Health has a link to the CDC’s easy-to-understand chart of immunizations by age in well-baby or child checkups, with a list of diseases preventable by vaccines. If your family does not have access to well-child care or you are new to the United States, Community Health Centers, your county Department of Health, or even pharmacies where you can get flu and COVID shots can let you know where you can go to ask about getting up to date on measles and other vaccinations. Below are the links to the Department of Health vaccination and immunization resources.

Video Transcript

One of the most important decisions that you can make as a parent is deciding on if you’re going to vaccinate your child or not.

By vaccinating your child, you also protect those who have a weakened immune system or who are unable to get vaccinated due to being too young, too old, or certain medical conditions.

These diseases take on a greater concern if your child has a chronic healthcare need or disability. These concerns include more complex and long-lasting health impacts, risk of lifelong health or developmental disability, or even risk of death in some cases.

Diseases such as whooping cough, flu, measles, and mumps still occur in our country. When fewer people get vaccinated against these diseases, outbreaks may happen.

For more information, go to wpave.org and type in the search bar the word vaccinate for useful links and information.

Helping a Loved One with a Fear of Needles Get Vaccinated

Posted on by Nicol Walsh

Introduction

Families have different reasons for not vaccinating their children against illnesses. The Washington Department of Health (DOH) reports that vaccination rates dropped 13 percent in 2021. If you’ve put off taking your child to get a vaccine because your child falls apart with fear at the sight of a needle, here are some tips and tricks to break through that barrier.

Tips and Tricks

  • Explain why they are getting a vaccination in words they understand. For example, “If you don’t get vaccinated you might get sick and miss your birthday party.”
  • Bring brave with you. A favorite superhero on a picture, a hat, a shirt, or a mask provides something to look at and makes them feel brave while they get their shot. If Grampa is their superhero, bring a picture of him!
  • Don’t lie. Be honest that this isn’t fun. Let them know you understand their feelings and reassure them that they are brave enough to get this accomplished.
  • Tell their doctor or nurse before the appointment that your loved one has a fear of needles and ask for ideas. Go in with a shared plan for how to calm, distract, or reward your brave one.
  • Ask if there’s a cream or spray to numb the injection site. If yes, use this information to explain why they probably won’t feel a thing.
  • Give them control. When do they want to go? Do they want company? Do they have any ideas about how to feel brave or how to earn a reward?
  • Practice breathing slow and easy and talk about how to use that breath anytime you are feeling afraid or anxious. You might mention that calm breathing reduces pain.
  • Bring a treat or preferred distraction for the waiting room: games, shows on the tablet, a favorite toy…or plan some new jokes.
  • If it’s better not to look at anything, help them close or cover their eyes. You can offer a hand to squeeze or something to hold or touch—like a favorite blanket, pillow or stuffed animal—to direct sensory attention away from the place where the needle goes in.
  • If they want you to stay during the injection, be calm yourself. Calm is contagious.

Resources and Related Information

  • Pediatricians build vaccination schedules for children at specific ages and stages to maximize their effectiveness. Waiting until later might harm your child. The Academy of Pediatrics has information on ages and stages and vaccine suggestions.
  • If a person is allergic to eggs, gelatin, polyethylene glycol, or yeast, let a doctor know. Some vaccines include these ingredients. If you ask, there may be another option.
  • If you have read, heard, or thought about something that makes you nervous, tell your doctor. Always ask where information comes from, and check to make sure the source is trustworthy.