Buffalo, NY- Scientists years ago proved that vaccines are safe and effective, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, yet common misconceptions about vaccines can confuse parents.
As flu season approaches, Dr. Thomas Schenk breaks down the facts about vaccines in BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York’s latest free Point of Health audiocast. Dr. Schenk, a pediatrician, is senior vice president and chief medical officer of the health plan.
The flu vaccine helps maintain overall health and decreases the number of deaths, hospital admissions and length of stay. It’s recommended that individuals age six months and older receive the flu vaccine each year. It is generally available at local pharmacies and medical offices.
According to Schenk:
• Vaccines are effective. Vaccines work by exposing your immune system to components of a bacteria or virus that might make you ill and allows your body to build immunity.
• Vaccines are safe. Vaccines undergo rigorous safety testing prior to being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administraton (FDA) and are continually monitored for safety.
• Vaccines cannot cause disease. Vaccines contain broken down pieces of bacteria so the danger of developing the disease as a result is nonexistent.
• Vaccinating your child is key. Ask your doctor which vaccinations are recommended for the child’s age group.
• Adult vaccines are important too. Any adult 65 or older, should be administered the shingles and phenomena vaccines once. Adults also want to keep an eye out for boosters and vaccines that have become available during their lifetime.
“As a pediatrician, the most important part of my job is to make sure that children maintain their health,” said Schenk. “We should be concerned about the numbers of illnesses and death that were seeing from vaccine preventable diseases, including the flu.”
The new audiocast is the latest in the health plan’s Point of Health series launched in December of 2016. Hosted by BlueCross BlueShield’s Vice President, Corporate Relations, Julie R. Snyder, Point of Health audiocasts are posted bi-monthly and feature an interview with experts on health insurance and health care, covering a variety of perspectives and information.
To listen to this episode, as well as past and future episodes visit www.bcbswny.com/pointofhealth.
About BlueCross BlueShield of WNY
BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is a division of HealthNow New York Inc., an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. Since 1936, BlueShield has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. BlueShield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as life and disability coverage, dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, BlueCross BlueShield contributes significantly to organizations that strengthen and enrich the health of our community.
For up-to-date news, facts, and information about the company, leadership, and industry, please visit the BlueCross BlueShield News Center or follow us on Twitter.