7 Reasons To Consider Getting Vaccinated

Vaccination programs around the world have reduced the spread of harmful and deadly diseases.¹

Malaysia's National Immunisation Programme (NIP) was established in the 1950s with the goal of protecting young children and newborns against dangerous and deathly diseases through through freely given vaccination.² They have been able to prevent 13 types of infectious diseases caused by certain bacteria and viruses³, resulting in Malaysia being able to a high vaccination coverage of over 95% at the national level.⁴

The drop in vaccine confidence

Despite Malaysia's past success with its vaccination program, there has been a decrease in vaccine confidence that could potentially derail the impact of vaccines, even though immunisation coverage is reported administratively across the world.¹⁶

There has been a spread of vaccine misinformation in Malaysia, leading to the point where vaccine-preventable diseases has seen a huge increase in the past five years. For example, cases of measles had an 891.795% increase compared to five years ago; jumping from 195 in 2013 to 1,934 cases in 2018 according to the MOH.²

These attempts to derail the vaccination efforts can be attributed to certain individuals on social media who object to the vaccines and are influencing others through misinformation.² This has caused the World Health Organization (WHO) to list vaccine hesitancy as one of the top ten threats to global health in 2019.^1,5

So how can you, as an individual, protect yourself and your community against the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases? By staying updated on routine immunization.⁷ If you are unsure which vaccines you need, consult your doctor for advice regarding vaccines.

7 Reasons To Stay Updated on Your Vaccines

Photo credit: CDC @ Pexels

1. Reduces the risk of health

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that vaccination currently prevents up to 3 million deaths every year. Thanks to worldwide vaccination programmes, the world has never been in a better position to eradicate polio for good¹. In addition, measles, rubella, as well as maternal and neonatal tetanus are just more of the harmful diseases that will be eradicated by vaccines.⁶

2. Reduces the rate of serious health complications

Having a healthy and balanced diet, actively exercising, and going for regular medical check-ups are some of the ways you can keep healthy. But perhaps even more importantly than that is the role vaccines play in maintaining our health.⁷

If you are above the age of 65, or have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease (CVD), or even if you frequently smoke, obtaining your routine vaccination is one of the most convenient actions you can take to take care of your physical health. 

3. Reduces the spread of diseases

By getting vaccinated, you help reduce the spread of harmful diseases to not just yourself, but to your loved ones as well.¹³ This is especially vital for those who are among the high risk groups for certain diseases, such as the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. 

4. Immunization makes sense financially

Diseases can not only affect your physical health, but the treatment required to cure it can be financially unbearable for a lot of people and their families. Not only that, but some might not even have the luxury to rest and heal, and must instead work through the sickness the sake of their loved ones, often to the detriment of themselves.

An average flu illness can last up to 15 days, and a person can potentially miss 5-6 days of work or school to recover. Adults who contract hepatitis A lose an average of one month of work.⁷

Receiving a vaccination is a relatively short-term process and is generally affordable or even free. It allows you to protect yourself against diseases which can take away not just your health, but also your time and finances through sick days and hefty medical bills.¹⁴

5. Protects you and your loved ones

If you omit yourself from vaccinations, you leave yourself vulnerable to illnesses such as shingles, pneumococcal disease, and the flu. Some vaccinable diseases, such as Human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B, are leading causes of cancer⁷.

When you are infected with these diseases, it not only puts you in danger, but those around you as well. This can be particularly deadly for those living small children or the elder, who are especially susceptible to the disease.⁷

So when you get vaccinated, remember you are not just protecting yourself, but your family as well.

6. Protect others in your community

Vaccination doesn't just protect you and those closest to you, but also your community as well.

Infected, unvaccinated adults are reported to be the most common source of pertussis, also known whooping cough infection, in infants.¹⁵ When you get vaccinated, you are protecting those in your community who may not be able to be vaccinated⁷.

7. Help eradicate diseases

Many debilitating and life-threatening diseases, which have the potential to cause death and turmoil if left unchecked, is in the process of being eradicated thanks to childhood vaccination programmes. Through routine immunisation, it not only helps the current generation with reducing the spread of harmful diseases, but also works towards a future where the disease would be fully eradicated, allowing people to live healthier and possibly longer lives.¹⁴

Flattening the curve

For decades, immunization is considered as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions and an important tool to reduce child morbidity, mortality, and disability.

All Malaysians should continue our efforts to promote the importance of vaccination in order to protect the future generations and contribute towards a healthy population.

Next steps

You are your own best health advocate. But with so much information available today, getting the right facts isn’t always easy.

While no one can stop the spread of misinformation, you can do your part by staying updated with your own immunization. Speak to a healthcare professional as soon as you can to determine your current vaccine status.

By taking this step, you are already moving forward as a part of the solution in helping the world become a healthier, safer, prosperous place.

References:

1.       Immunization | https://tinyurl.com/immun0oo | Accessed on 1 Nov 2021

2.        Vaccine-preventable diseases spike | https://tinyurl.com/spik3free | Accessed on 1 Nov 2021

3.       The Malaysian National Immunisation Programme (NIP) | https://tinyurl.com/nipmsia1 | Accessed on 1 Nov 2021

4.       A Healthy Investment | https://tinyurl.com/updat3dnip  | Accessed on 15 Nov

5.       Ten threats to global health in 2019 | https://tinyurl.com/whothreats | Accessed on 1 Nov

6.       Vaccines_ the powerful innovations bringing WHO’s mission to life every day | https://tinyurl.com/vaxxwho | Accessed on 1 Nov

7.     10 Reasons To Get Vaccinated | https://tinyurl.com/vaxreasons | Accessed on 1 Nov

8.       Vaccination of adults with diabetes | https://tinyurl.com/diab3tes  | Accessed on 10 Sep 2021

9.       Pneumococcal Vaccination | https://tinyurl.com/smok3rsrisk  | Accessed on 3 Nov 2021

10.    Vaccination of Adults with Heart Disease | https://tinyurl.com/h3arthealth  | Accessed on 10 Sep 2021

11.    Senior Immunizations | https://tinyurl.com/snrv4x  | Accessed on 3 Nov 2021

12.    Vaccinations for Adults with Asthma | https://tinyurl.com/4awt9mad  | Accessed on 3 Nov 2021

13.    Vaccine impact_ Benefits for human health | https://tinyurl.com/vaximpact | Accessed on 1 Nov 2021

14.    Here are 10 reasons why you should get vaccinated | https://tinyurl.com/vaxxreasons10 | Accessed on 1 Nov 2021

15.    Causes and Transmission of Whooping Cough (Pertussis) | https://tinyurl.com/pertussiss | Accessed on 1 Nov 2021

16.   Global trends in vaccine confidence | https://tinyurl.com/vaxdropping| Accessed on 10 Nov 2021

Disclaimer:

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

For Pfizer terms of use click here: Terms of Use | Pfizer – Breakthroughs That Change Patients’ Lives

PP-PRE-MYS-0358-3NOV2021