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For Your Health
BY PAMELA BLAKEMORE-RAY, FNP, BSN, RN Integrated Health Partners
As parents, we protect our children every day from risks. Routine vaccines are one of the best ways to protect our children from potentially life-threaten- ing diseases and related suffering. Vac- cines have been available since 1914, and millions of children are now safely vaccinated yearly.
these mild symptoms, the benefits of the vaccine almost always outweigh the risks of the disease.
One ingredient that has been largely dis- cussed recently is Polysorbate 80, which is in the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The concern is infertility; al- though this stabilizer has been used for many years in ice cream. The quantities of Polysorbate 80 in these vaccines
One of the biggest concerns to parents is safety. In reality, there is no action that is always 100% safe. Even everyday activities, such as eating and driving to work have risks. Approx- imately 5,000 people in the United States die each year from choking, and around 90 people die from car crashes each day. Yet, we do not consider these behaviors as risky.
Some people feel the diseases we vaccinate against are no longer a threat to our children. While there is some protection from the immunized popu- lation, diseases continue to present a risk. For example, measles was almost eliminated in the United States by 2000. However, there were 1,300 cases of measles reported in the United States
in 2019. Of those, 128 people were hospitalized, and 61 had complications of pneumonia or encephalitis (swelling of the brain). There are 17,500 cases of pertussis reported annually in the Unit- ed States. Sadly, the risks of pertussis include heart, kidney, and nerve dam- age, and can even result in death. The recurrence of diseases is directly related to unvaccinated people.
are less than what is found in a 1⁄2 cup serving of ice cream.
In truth, there are side effects to vaccines. Almost all of them can cause redness and discomfort at the injection site. In addition, vaccines can often cause fevers, which is the body’s way of responding to the vaccine. Even with
Vaccines have multiple ingredients which may be concerning for parents.
As parents, we want to be informed and create a healthy environment
for our families. With 70+ years of vaccine research and administration behind us, your medical provider can offer helpful information as you make vaccine decisions. Please take time to talk to your family doctor/pediatrician to discuss routine immunizations and specific considerations for your family. Your child’s immunization is waiting for them.
Keeping Our Children Safe Through Vaccines
References: HealthyChildren.org; chop.edu; CDC.
Find Your Primary Care Physician – IHP Can Help
Working with a primary care physician
strengthens the patient to provider relationship and results in more comprehensive and timely care as trust is built through that relationship.
The IHP mission is to assure accessible, cost effective, high quality health care services for the community, while providing value for our members. We do that through:
• Quality Improvement Programs
• Patient, Provider & Office Staff Education
• Provider Services
• Practice & Administrative
Support Services
• Population Health Services
Accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance since 1999 for Utilization Management and Credentialing. This mark of distinction sets IHP apart from some of its peers in ensuring high quality services!
77 East Michigan Ave., Suite 200, Battle Creek, MI 49017 (269) 425-7110 • www.integratedhealthpartners.net
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