It’s National Public Health Week and this year’s focus is on ROI - Return On Investment. Considering today’s budgetary challenges, it’s imperative that public health funds are wisely spent. A valid way to evaluate this investment is to consider the savings earned from each dollar spent. According to the American Public Health Association, childhood immunizations provide a $22 return on every $1 invested in direct and indirect health costs. They also save 33,000 lives and prevent 14 million cases of disease.
While vaccinations help keep children healthy, this amazing return on investment would not be possible without the support of health care workers and public health professionals all across the country. As they work to promote National Public Health Week, take a moment to consider how to support them. This begins by committing to a healthy lifestyle. Public health needs to engage the public at large. All people can encourage good public health behaviors within their communities. People must be more active in promoting immunizations among our friends, families, co-workers and neighbors.
While a casual conversation to convince a friend to overcome a vaccine hesitancy may not make a difference at first glance, or a shared Facebook link to change the mind of a vaccine critic may not immediately have an effect, it’s likely that these small persistent actions can help to educate others and bring the importance of vaccines to the forefront of public health. Sharing reputable sources and encouraging people to investigate their concerns is just one way to help improve vaccination rates, which in turn can help ensure healthier communities.
Although every response is different, each individual experience has certain similarities and helps illustrate that intelligent discussion about vaccines can help identify dangerous misinformation. People who explain their jobs and scientific backgrounds are among the biggest influences in the pro-vaccine position. It may be common to hear vaccine critics claim that parents need to “do their research” before making a vaccination decision. Over time it has proven that reading the research is why so many parents came out on the side of science.
If you would like to join others in advocating for vaccines, sign up to Get Involved on the Vaccinate Your Baby website today. You will receive free alerts and important notifications about current immunization issues.
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