Westfield Health Bulletin: Vaccines can ensure children get an education – not a virus

With the return to school, children find new schools, new teachers and new friends. Respiratory diseases are also easily transmitted from one child to the next as children learn and play together.

Parents and schools hope that health departments and doctors' offices will help reduce the number of cases. The US Department of Health is now strengthening this initiative with a new national education campaign on viruses and vaccines.

The campaign is called “Risk Less. Do More.” It aims to increase confidence in vaccines by educating and raising public awareness about prevention and knowledge of common viral respiratory infections. HHS hopes to reduce severe illness and death from influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially among high-risk individuals.

These diseases typically occur in the fall and winter months. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said, “Vaccines against COVID-19, influenza and RSV have helped save millions of lives, kept countless people out of the hospital and kept the country safe.”

This week, the FDA approved and granted emergency use authorization for updated mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 that target the variants currently circulating. Getting vaccinated against COVID remains the best prevention. There are clear and specific guidelines based on age and prior vaccination status listed on fda.gov or talk to your doctor or pharmacy.

There was a surge in COVID cases over the summer that appears to be continuing into the fall. Long COVID is ongoing and is placing a heavy burden on individuals and the healthcare system. The CDC and FDA recommend that everyone who is eligible get the updated vaccine in addition to the flu shot.

The campaign will disseminate research-based information through television, radio, print, social and digital media. HHS will work with state and local health departments and state, national and community organizations to ensure access for all. For more information, visit RiskLessDoMore.hhs.gov.

Send your children to school with up-to-date vaccinations, tissues, and hand sanitizer. Teach them to cover their mouth with their elbow when coughing or sneezing, blow their nose and wipe it when needed, wash their hands, stay home when sick, and wear a mask when needed. The end of summer ushers in a new year of learning.

Take care of yourself and others.

Juanita Carnes is a Westfield resident and nurse with 38 years of experience in hospital emergency departments and urgent care. She was a member of the Westfield Health Board for 30 years.