Vaccines as tools to prevent deaths

According to the World Health Organization, there are currently 19.4 million children unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated in the world. One in ten children receive no vaccine and have probably never had contact with the health system.

The Barceló Foundation joins the goal of the Global Action Plan for Vaccines (PAMV) and communicates on the importance of immunization, considered one of the most important health interventions successful, necessary and profitable to date. It has been shown that vaccination, as well as the provision of drinking water and adequate nutrition, have the greatest impact on the life expectancy of the human being.

The GVAP aims to improve health by increasing the benefits of immunization for all, no matter where they are born, who they are or where they live. Vaccines have benefits for the individual himself and for the community. Thanks to them, we protect ourselves and our environment.

Currently, vaccination is considered the best investment in public health, so this year's motto is "Collectively Protected", which aims to redouble efforts to increase immunization coverage for the common good.

The Fundación Barceló specialists answer three frequently asked questions:

1. Ensure good hygiene, good sanitary conditions and clean water, should you be vaccinated?
While good hygiene, sanitation and clean water are important for being healthy, they are not enough to eradicate infectious diseases. Vaccines provide collective immunity to prevent its spread. Without vaccination, rare diseases such as whooping cough, polio, or measles may re-emerge.

2. Do I need to be vaccinated against diseases that are not observed in my community or in my country?
Currently, vaccine-preventable diseases have been eradicated in many countries around the world. However, the infectious agents that cause them continue to circulate and can easily cross geographical boundaries and infect anyone who is not protected, such as recent cases of yellow fever in our country.

3. Do I need to get vaccinated against the flu?
Seasonal flu vaccines are used to immunize against the three major circulating strains each year, which is why it is important to get vaccinated each year. This is the best way to reduce the likelihood of a serious flu and spread it to others. It is recommended that not only groups at risk (pregnant women, young children, adults and people with chronic diseases) be vaccinated, but also those in direct contact with them.