Letter: Vaccines are important for community’s health

<p><strong>To the editor:</strong></p><p>In response to a recent letter to the editor about vaccine concerns.</p><p>Vaccines are a modern medical miracle. Researchers spend their entire lives looking for ways to stop dangerous diseases by way of vaccine. It was far too recent that children were dying from polio, measles and smallpox. Many physicians today haven’t even seen these diseases, thanks to vaccines.</p><p>Vaccines are an important part of our health as a community. When one person gets vaccinated they are protected. However, when many people in a community get vaccinated it actually prevents an outbreak of disease because people are not able to spread the illness at a high rate. This is called &quot;herd immunity&quot; and it is especially important for vulnerable populations, like newborn infants, the elderly, and people with cancer or immunodeficiency.</p><p>Common reactions to vaccinations include pain and redness at the injection site and low grade fever. Severe, long-lasting reactions are extremely rare with about 1 report of severe, compensated reaction for every 1 million doses given, according to the Health Resources &amp;amp; Services Administration. With that being said, it is always important to find a healthcare provider you trust if you have concerns about medical care.</p><p>We do not question the validity of the original author’s statements, as we all want what Is best for our families and each family is different. We simply wish to provide additional information. You are invited to email <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> if you have questions or concerns about vaccinating yourself or your family.</p><p>The Indiana Immunization Coalition is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides education and information about vaccines to healthcare professionals and the general population.</p><p><p><strong>Lisa Robertson</strong></p><p><p><strong>Executive Director, Indiana Immunization Coalition</strong></p>