It’s been nearly 10 years since the CDC first recommended immunization against human papillomavirus (HPV), the disease known to cause many types of gynecological and reproductive cancers. During that time, numerous studies have supported the vaccine’s efficiency. Yet through a decade of endorsements and advancements, the HPV vaccine continues to fall below target rates.
The First Step to Population Health
Breaking Down the Flu Vaccine’s Effectiveness
Debunking the Myths & Misconceptions of Vaccine Safety
Being a new parent is hard enough without the multitude of conflicting information on caring for a baby around sleeping, feeding, bathing and nurturing, to name a few. Yet, one of the most debated topics among parents centers on children's immunizations. And it’s one of the few issues where science clearly supports only one side: pro-vaccines.
Zika – What You Need to Know
The recent news cycles have produced a national paranoia surrounding the virus, Zika. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus, a “public health emergency of international concern.” In this early stage, a big factor in the news about Zika is the amount of unknowns. As Dr. Margaret Chan, General Director of the WHO, said, “The level of concern is high, as is the level of uncertainty.”
How to Avoid “Catching” Pneumonia
To Improve Your State’s Health, Vaccinate
How can your state become healthier in a hurry? Vaccinate. In the United Health Foundation’s latest America’s Health Rankings, two states, Maine and North Carolina, vaulted up 5 spots and 6 spots, respectively, in a large part due to the success of improving immunization rates in their states.
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.
Ending the Whooping Cough News Cycle
The bacterial infection, pertussis, kept largely under control in recent decades by vaccination is again making headlines. Pertussis, known commonly as whooping cough, is on the rise. From 2013 to 2014, total cases reported increased 15 percent, and almost daily new outbreaks are reported in the news here in the United States and abroad.
No Vaccine, No Patient Care
In recent years, the anti-vaccine movement has increased in the United States. Despite the medical community’s overwhelming pro-vaccine stance, a small, but vocal group of parents have used sensational stories, questionable studies, and fervent beliefs to convince themselves and others from vaccinating their children. As a result, physicians today are often faced with a difficult decision: Do they continue to care for unvaccinated patients, and put other patients at risk, or do they choose to dismiss these patients?
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.
The Best Bet: A Flu Vaccine
Flu season, the time of year when the flu epidemic spreads easily and infects many, is officially here. Each year, between 5-20 percent of the population is infected and more than 200,000 on average are hospitalized with flu-related complications. While infection is common and symptoms typically the same, the outlook of each flu season is hard to forecast.
Expanding Coverage: A New Approach to Meningitis Prevention
As a parent, sending a child off to college or into the working world is scary enough. The last thing they want to imagine is a potentially life-threatening disease. Unfortunately, they should. On college campuses across the U.S., outbreaks of meningococcal disease (meningitis), a serious bacterial infection of the brain and spinal cord, have occurred.
Seattle’s Vaccination Rate Trails Third-World Countries
When it comes to advancements in healthcare, it’s alarming to see a string of developing countries listed ahead of a major American city. Yet, due to a recent precipitous decline in immunization rates, Seattle, known as one of the country’s smartest cities, now lags behind numerous third-world countries for polio vaccination rates among children.