Keeping Vaccination Cards Updated: A Post-Pandemic Priority
The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, with communities globally seeking a vaccine to combat the coronavirus. While the worst of the crisis has passed, the importance of maintaining up-to-date vaccination records remains critical.Iris Aguilar, head of Immunizations for the Province of Mendoza, emphasizes the need for annual visits to vaccination centers to ensure inoculations are current.”When a new disease appears, everyone demands a vaccine against that disease, even more so if you put it in the context of a pandemic. Later, also consequently of the success of vaccination, cases began to decrease. As we always say, vaccines are victims of their own success, and then what you don’t see, you don’t perceive as a risk, and that systematically happens with vaccines,” Aguilar explained to Andean Site.
The absence of a pandemic like the one experienced since 2020 does not negate the necessity of periodic vaccination. “In general, the Mendoza population mostly adheres to vaccines, but this message must always be reinforced, especially for adults or young parents or those who have children in their care, who have never seen polio, measles, or diphtheria.We don’t see them thanks to the vaccine, but to the extent that we stop getting vaccinated, unluckily, we will begin to see these diseases again,” Aguilar warned.
The Challenge of Reaching Young Adults
Table of Contents
According to Aguilar, the age group least likely to stay updated on vaccinations is 20 to 30 years old. “Reality indicates that this group is tough to reach because, at that age, you feel that nothing can happen to you. Moreover, we have the benefit that this population has been the recipient of a very good vaccination schedule during their childhood. Then, they would have to pay attention to giving themselves, for example, the tetanus booster every ten years and not wait to have an accident to run out to get vaccinated,” she recommended.
The Importance of the Vaccination Card
Aguilar also stressed the importance of regularly reviewing the vaccination card or booklet. “You have to check the calendar. If I look at it and I don’t understand anything, which is very likely because you only see a bunch of stamps, you can go to the health center or the vaccination center and talk to the vaccinator, who will tell you what booster you need,” she advised.
Key Takeaways
| Key Point | Details |
|———————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Post-Pandemic Vaccination | Continue updating vaccinations even after the worst of COVID-19 has passed. |
| Vaccine Success | Vaccines are victims of their own success, reducing perceived risks. |
| Young Adults | Ages 20-30 are the least likely to stay updated on vaccinations. |
| Vaccination Card | Regularly review and update your vaccination card or booklet.|
Staying vigilant about vaccinations is not just a personal obligation but a collective one. As Aguilar aptly puts it, “To the extent that we stop getting vaccinated, unfortunately, we will begin to see these diseases again.” Let’s not let complacency undo the progress we’ve made.
You may also be interested in: No more non-binary DNI, trans quota, and femicide as a legal figure: the project prepared by Milei.nThe Government of Mendoza is actively working to ensure the health and safety of its youngest residents through a series of vaccination initiatives. Currently, the province is running a vaccination campaign for pregnant women, aimed at preventing bronchiolitis in babies up to six months old, a period when they are most vulnerable. This effort is part of a broader strategy to protect infants from preventable diseases.
As the school year approaches, authorities are also gearing up for their annual school vaccination operations. iris Aguilar, a key figure in the campaign, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Every year we do school vaccinations. We are working with the coverage for the year 2024, reviewing or auditing which children were not vaccinated last year to be able to capture them. Of course, as soon as the school year begins, we, as every year and historically in the province, will begin with school vaccination.”
the provision of vaccines is a critical aspect of these efforts. According to current legislation, the Government of the nation is responsible for purchasing and distributing the inoculations to the provinces. Aguilar confirmed that the supply is normal so far,with no shortages reported. She highlighted the importance of this area, stating, “It is an absolutely sensitive area which, together with drinking water, has been shown to have a more than positive impact on reducing the number of cases of infectious diseases and deaths from infectious diseases.”
Aguilar also expressed hope for the future, adding, “Let’s hope that everything continues along the same lines and that we continue to have an increasingly stronger vaccination schedule and with greater chances of being able to vaccinate the population to avoid diseases, preventable with something as simple as a vaccine.”
To summarize the key points of the vaccination initiatives in Mendoza, here is a table:
| Initiative | Target Group | Objective | Status |
|————————————|—————————|—————————————————-|————————–|
| Vaccination for pregnant Women | Pregnant Women | Prevent bronchiolitis in babies up to six months | Ongoing |
| School Vaccination Operations | School-Aged Children | Ensure all children are up-to-date with vaccines | Preparing for 2024 |
| Vaccine Provision | General Population | Maintain vaccine supply and distribution | Normal, no shortages |
These efforts underscore the commitment of the Government of Mendoza to public health, ensuring that both the youngest and most vulnerable members of the community are protected through timely and effective vaccination programs.
The Challenge of Reaching Young Adults
interviewer: Iris, why is it particularly challenging to ensure that young adults, specifically those aged 20 to 30, stay updated with their vaccinations?
Iris aguilar: This age group is tough to reach as, during that phase of life, there’s a common feeling of invincibility.Peopel in their 20s often believe that nothing bad can happen to them. Additionally, since this population benefited from a strong vaccination schedule during childhood, they may not feel the urgency to keep up with booster shots, like the tetanus vaccine, which is needed every ten years. They often wait until an emergency arises, such as an accident, to consider getting vaccinated.
The importance of the Vaccination Card
Interviewer: How crucial is it for individuals to regularly review their vaccination cards?
Iris Aguilar: Regularly reviewing the vaccination card or booklet is essential. It’s not uncommon for people to look at their vaccination records and feel overwhelmed by the stamps and information. If that happens, I recommend visiting a health center or vaccination clinic. The vaccinators there can interpret the records and advise on which boosters or additional vaccines are necessary. Staying proactive with this process ensures that everyone remains protected against preventable diseases.
The Impact of Vaccine Success
Interviewer: You’ve mentioned that vaccines are victims of their own success. Could you elaborate on that?
Iris Aguilar: Absolutely. Vaccines have been so effective in reducing or even eliminating diseases like polio, measles, and diphtheria that many people no longer perceive these illnesses as threats. This success can lead to complacency, where individuals start to question the necessity of vaccines. However, the moment vaccination rates drop, these diseases can re-emerge. It’s a collective responsibility to maintain high vaccination rates to prevent such outbreaks.
Post-Pandemic Vaccination Efforts
Interviewer: With the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, how critically important is it to continue other vaccination efforts?
Iris Aguilar: It’s vital. While COVID-19 demanded important attention and resources, we must not neglect other vaccination schedules. Diseases like bronchiolitis, which can be prevented through maternal vaccination, and various childhood illnesses targeted by school vaccination programs, still pose risks. Our goal is to ensure that everyone, from infants to adults, remains protected through timely vaccinations.
Conclusion
maintaining up-to-date vaccinations is a shared responsibility that protects not only individuals but entire communities. Young adults, often the hardest group to reach, must be educated on the importance of booster shots and regular vaccine updates. Reviewing vaccination cards and consulting healthcare providers can help ensure that everyone stays on track. As Iris Aguilar aptly puts it, stopping vaccinations risks the resurgence of diseases we’ve worked so hard to eliminate. Let’s stay vigilant and continue to prioritize public health through vaccination.
