With August observed as National Immunization Awareness Month, the focus is to educate on the importance of routine vaccinations for everyone, from infants to adolescents, children to adults, and especially seniors and the elderly population.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccinations are responsible for the eradication of countless diseases historically prevalent in the United States. Fortunately, due to decades of scientific research, clinical trials, and expansive work of pharmaceutical companies, vaccines have reduced and, in cases, eliminated diseases that have killed hundreds of thousands of individuals across the globe.
“By becoming immunized, we all help reduce the risk to which unimmunized people are exposed to disease causing agents,” said Chris Hougland, Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) Senior Vice-President of Health Services.
As we have for multiple years, during each Fall, the Council’s Health Clinic ramps up vaccination education and programs, collaborating with St. Cloud based Prescriptions Unlimited in preparation for the flu and influenza season. The upcoming event, which will provide influenza, pneumonia, and COVID vaccinations, will be held Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., on the OCOA campus (700 Generation Point) in Kissimmee.
“Providing vaccinations to Osceola residents supports the OCOA’s Health Clinic model of providing quality and accessible healthcare,” said St. Cloud Prescriptions Unlimited pharmacist Eric Larson. “We are proud to be a small part of the positive impact in which the Council brings to the health of the Osceola community, as these services are of extreme value to residents.”
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), routine vaccinations not only protect from bacterial infections and viruses, but also help stimulate the immune system to produce better immune responses.
“Further, vaccinations provide a safe, cost-effective, means of preventing illness, disability, and even death from both communicable, and infectious diseases,” Hougland added.
According to Medicine.net, by maintaining high immunization rates in communities across the United States, we better protect the masses by obstructing the transmission of disease-causing bacteria and/or viruses.
Known as herd immunity, this theory is a form of indirect protection which applies to contagious diseases.
“This type of immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population has become immune to an infection, whether through previous infections or vaccinations, which reduces the likelihood of infection for individuals who lack immunity,” as referenced by Wikipedia.
“The Council on Aging is proud to provide vaccinations through our community partnership with Prescriptions Unlimited, as well as an expansive line of clinical offerings through our Health Clinic. Without these options, many residents might not have the resources to become vaccinated, or overseen by a clinician for general medical care,” Hougland added.
The OCOA’s Health Clinic opened more than 23 years ago. Grants from Heart of Florida United Way, the Department of Elder Affairs, Florida Blue, Advent Health, and the U.S. Department of Human Services have supported expansion throughout the years.
Today, the clinic provides a wide offering of healthcare services, including acute and chronic non-emergency services and diagnostic testing. Patient immunization offerings include influenza, pneumonia, the shingles vaccine and Tdap boosters to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
Whether it be Immunization Awareness Month, or any other month, it is always important to speak to your healthcare provider about vaccinations needed to keep you, your parents, children, and extended family safe from unnecessary illness.
For those in need of immunizations and/or Health Clinic service offerings, call 407-483-0021, or 407-8468532, Ext. 1261; for details on the upcoming vaccine clinic, contact Kelly Bender, OCOA Clinic Care coordinator, at 407846-8532, ext. 1218.
