Why is it important to get vaccinated?
What is happening right now?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more individuals and families have stopped getting vaccinated. We know this because:
- Only 79% of toddlers have had one dose of MMR (the measles vaccine) at the end of 2023 and only 87.8% of kindergartners have had both doses this past school year (MDH).
- In July 2022, WHO and UNICEF shared a report that showed the last time we experienced this big and long of a decline of not vaccinating our children was 30 years ago!
- Minnesota hospitals are seeing many patients with measles. This isn’t just a local problem. The WHO reported in November 2023 that measles cases have increased worldwide by 18% - that’s 9 million cases and outbreaks happening in every region of the world.
- Black and East African, American Indian, and Latino children have the lowest rates of vaccination. There are about 10 vaccines that are needed for babies in their first 2 years of life. Less than half of our children of color who we see at Hennepin Healthcare have received these 10 vaccines.
How do vaccines work?
Antigens
Vaccines teach our body to recognize and respond to harmful germs. They are made up of antigens or instructions on how to make antigens. Antigens are pieces of germs (bacteria or viruses) that have been weakened or killed.
Anti-bodies
Once the vaccine enters your body, the antigens will teach your body how to make anti-bodies. Anti-bodies are one way that your immune system gets rid of germs. After the vaccine does its job, it leaves the body. Now your immune system will know what to do in the future; it has anti-bodies to fight the real germ should you get it in the future.
Immunity
If you feel a little sick after getting vaccinated, that’s just your body getting stronger and building immunity. One or two weeks after receiving the vaccine, your body’s immune system is better prepared to protect you against harmful germs.
What is herd immunity?
What is it?
For some diseases like measles and COVID-19, we can achieve “herd immunity.” For measles, this means that when 95% of a population is vaccinated, the chances that you will get sick with measles is greatly reduced. Even if you are not vaccinated, you still have good protection since the disease will have a harder time spreading from one person to the next.
Protection
Herd immunity is important to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities:
- Babies
- The very old
- People who are sick
- Those who cannot or choose not to get vaccinated
Herd immunity protects everyone whose immune system is not prepared to fight disease.
Stronger together
Together, our vaccinated community is stronger. When you get a shot for yourself or your children, you also protect others.
Talk to your and your child's provider to see what vaccines you are missing. Schedule an appointment to get you and your family caught up. You can schedule with MyChart or call us at 612-873-6963.