The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all facets of the healthcare system, including providers and their patients. Some providers chose to close offices completely, while others rescheduled well-visits to future dates. Now as providers begin to re-welcome patients into their practice, there is an opportunity for providers to ensure that patients have received the vaccines they need.
Workplace Flu Clinics: Encouraging Seasonal Health to Support Year-round Employee Wellness
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that American workers miss approximately 17 million workdays due to the flu each year, costing employers $7 billion in sick days and lost productivity. One way employers can create a healthier workplace is by hosting on-site influenza vaccination clinics in the office.
Aging and Immunity: The Important Role of Vaccines
We often focus on the immunity of children, but as patients age into adulthood and seniority, following recommended immunization guidelines is essential to their overall well-being. Vaccines for illnesses such as pneumococcal disease, tetanus, and shingles can help combat the deterioration of immunity that many patients will experience as they age.
Adults Need Vaccines Too: Improving Hepatitis B Uptake
HHS reports that an estimated 850,000 to 2.2 million people are living with HBV nationwide. With HBV vaccines available, clinicians and healthcare advocates can play a role in helping increase immunization rates and curb the spread of hepatitis B.
Vaccinating for Two: Increasing Maternal Vaccine Uptake
During pregnancy, there are many preparations that expectant mothers may make before welcoming a newborn: purchasing a stroller, preparing a nursery, buying clothes, diapers, wipes and many other items. Another way expectant mothers can prepare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is vaccinating themselves against diseases, namely influenza and pertussis.
How to Keep Patients From “Catching” Pneumonia
“You’re going to catch pneumonia.” We’ve all heard the phrase – and maybe even had it directed at us. But, providers know it is not that easy to “catch” pneumonia. In reality, people catch the bacteria, viruses or fungi that can eventually cause pneumonia. With this often-misunderstood illness, providers have an opportunity to educate patients about the severity of pneumonia and help them determine the immunization recommendations that are right for them.
Empowering Seniors to Advocate for Their Vaccinations
With age comes wisdom. Unfortunately, when it comes to many aspects of healthcare, and specifically proper immunizations, not enough of our elders are wisely speaking up and receiving the regular schedule of vaccines they need. Therefore, it’s up to clinicians and caregivers to encourage our elders to always speak up for what they need to properly safeguard their health.
The Best Medicine is Prevention
In the U.S., one in three people in their lifetime will be infected with shingles, a virus that can cause severe burning pain and a blistering rash. While the rash from shingles may disappear after a few weeks, for some individuals the debilitating pain can persist for months or years. This condition is called postherpetic neuralgia. Despite the widespread prevalence of shingles, and the potentially devastating long-term complications, vaccination rates to protect individuals from the virus remain lower than expected.
Turning the Tide on Adult Vaccination Rates
In 2010, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services set their sights on improved vaccination rates by 2020 as part of a far-reaching campaign “Healthy People 2020.” Yet, early metrics confirmed immunizations among adults are lagging behind schedule. As a result, the National Vaccine Program Office (NVPO) proposed a five-year plan to turn the tide.