Immunizations Marion County Health Department Iman Al-Baqsami

Overview:  My Argument: Diseases in the U.S. will continue to be preventable should recent immunization programs be updated (e.g. Oregon)  The CDC: Federal body that oversees health and safety of U.S. citizens  The preventable diseases targeted by the CDC  CDC national immunization program- VFC  Local immunization programs by the Marion County Health Dept.  Vaccine Critics: Are vaccinations a threat to society?  Current Programs in Oregon: Room for improvement  Service-Learning Project: Marion County Health Dept. - Immunizations

My Argument:  Vaccinations are an inexpensive way to improve the quality of life by helping to prevent life threatening diseases  After observing the large number of student exclusions, it is clear that there is a need to improve immunization programs  Current methods of administering immunizations in Oregon should be improved in order to: - Limit the number of school exclusions - Reduce the spread of disease and increase immunity against them

Preventable Diseases: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention-  is the federal body which oversees the “health and safety” of U.S. citizens and “serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease control and prevention”  has national immunization programs administered by health departments  promotes state health departments to start localized programs to fit the needs of the state or county- e.g. the Marion County Health Department Vaccine (vak-'sEn)- “a preparation of killed microorganisms, living attenuated organisms, that is administered to produce or artificially increase immunity to a particular disease”

Preventable Diseases:  Recommended vaccines by the CDC: Hepatitus b, DTaP, Hib, Polio, MMR, Varicella (chicken pox), PCV, Influenza

Vaccinations for Children Program (VFC):  Since 1994, the CDC has ensured that qualified children may receive free vaccinations from their doctors or local clinics, under the Vaccinations for Children program  Children from low-income families may receive the vaccinations, as well as the “uninsured, Medicaid recipients, Native Americans, and Alaska Natives”  State immunization programs act similarly. Certain clinics and doctors may be granted a limited supply of “free” vaccinations to administer to qualifying children How do you get “free” vaccinations?  The CDC and state health departments are given lower priced vaccinations by manufacturers

Are Vaccinations Dangerous and are they even necessary?  The Critics: naturopathic doctors, parents, religious groups, etc.  Their claim? All diseases have been eradicated from the U.S.  The CDC as well as other health officials prove that although there are very low occurrences of diseases in the U.S., “they are still a threat since they are prevalent in other countries” and may be brought in

Criticisms of Vaccinations: Vaccines contain unnatural substances harmful to the human body, especially individuals with chronic illnesses such as: preservatives, and chemicals  The CDC asserts that “chemicals are added to vaccines to inactivate a virus or bacteria and stabilize the vaccine, helping to preserve the vaccine and prevent it from losing its potency over time.”  Allergic reactions to the vaccine or one of its components has been known to occur, but on a small scale  The CDC further provides that there is no plausible evidence to support the idea that vaccinations are harmful to everyone

Criticisms of Vaccinations: Vaccines are administered only so that the manufacturers may profit from sales. “From preschoolers to senior citizens – vaccines have become a huge global business.”  While manufacturers are sure to profit from sales, immunization costs are relatively low.  There is also a low number of diseases in which immunization is necessary

Current Programs: ALERT  Health information database on children ages  Forecasts the need for immunizations  Constantly updates  Is easily accessible  All clinics and schools would be able to access the database The Problem? Not all clinics and schools have electronic access to the ALERT database

Current Programs: Health Fairs Purpose:  Educate school administrators, parents, health care workers, and students about the importance of receiving routine vaccinations  Make the public aware of how diseases may be spread The Problem? Not entirely effective if resources are not available to ensure all children are immunized on time

How to Improve Programs in Oregon: ALERT Program:  Offer mini-grants for schools and clinics to set up electronic access to ALERT so that everyone may use it  Use barcode system to simplify using ALERT Health Department:  Increase on-site immunization clinics at schools with high exclusion rates  Offer incentives to schools with low to zero exclusion rates  Media campaigns during the summer to prepare for upcoming deadlines

Service-Learning the Marion County Health Department:  First day during school exclusions  A better understanding of immunizations  Preparing for health fair – knowing all the facts  A different side of Salem, OR

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