By CHRISTINE WEYMAN, LCHD Medical Director
Immunization is the single most important method in the eradication of a disease, providing the majority of susceptible individuals get vaccinated, a concept called “herd immunity”. Smallpox was eradicated and Polio is almost eradicated. Some diseases still exist, but the numbers are kept at a minimum by continued immunization.
Compared to pre-vaccination days, we can truly say that diseases like measles, whooping cough, diphtheria and two bacterial causes of meningitis occur minimally in our community. Experts agree that infectious diseases cannot be eradicated by treatment alone — only effective vaccines are capable of this distinction.
It is unfortunate that the influenza virus mutates readily, and every season our bodies are attacked by new variants for which we have little or no immunity, thus necessitating annual vaccination. This year it is even more important to be vaccinated against the novel H1N1 influenza as almost all of us are susceptible to it; those over 60 seem to have some immunity from encountering a similar virus in their youth.
During any given year, about 10 percent of the population becomes infected with the flu; this season we are expecting a rate of 30 percent. We have already seen greater numbers of infected individuals, for this time of the season, when compared to previous years.
The H1N1 vaccine, which is manufactured in an identical procedure as seasonal flu vaccine, has been shown to be effective and safe. Approximately 7000 doses, consisting of both the live weakened nasal mist version and the inactivated injectable type, have been administered in the Lake Cumberland region. Side effects have been mild and identical to the seasonal flu vaccines of the past. The live attenuated vaccine is produced in such a way as to make the virus able to replicate only at a lower temperature than the inner body. It can only replicate in the nose, where the temperature is lower than the lungs and where it stimulates an immune response. Neither vaccine can give the flu; however, some individuals may experience low grade fever/headache as the immune system is activated.
The LCDHD is in the process of providing H1N1 vaccine for all children by conducting school based clinics; initial target is elementary schools, followed by middle and high schools. As more H1N1 vaccine shipments become available, other individuals in the CDC designated target groups will be included in future clinics.
