4 benefits of vaccines
Vaccines play an important role in preventive care and keeping you healthy throughout your entire life. Not only can vaccines keep you from getting sick, but they can also help protect those around you who aren’t able to be vaccinated due to age or specific health conditions.
Here are four other benefits of vaccines and why they are important.
Benefit #1: Vaccines are a safe way to prevent disease
Vaccines are thoroughly tested and carefully monitored to make sure they're safe. Like any medication, there is a chance for a reaction to a vaccine. However, the diseases that are prevented with vaccines can be far worse than the risk of side effects.
And, if you experience side effects, they’re usually mild, treatable and not long-term.
Benefit #2: Vaccines are available for all age groups
The truth is you never outgrow the need for immunizations. Even if you were fully vaccinated as a child, you may be at risk for other diseases due to your age, job, lifestyle, travel habits or health conditions. Plus, the protection from some vaccines can diminish over time.
Get health advice for your generation
No matter your age, it’s important you stay engaged in your care. Here’s our advice for how each generation can stay healthy and develop important health habits.
The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows vaccination rates for adults are low. Every year, thousands of adults in the U.S. experience serious health problems from diseases that could be prevented by vaccines. Talk to your primary care provider about what vaccines you may need.
Benefit #3: Vaccines can eliminate serious diseases
A disease is considered eliminated when it is no longer transmitted at a sustained rate in a geographic area. Thanks to widespread vaccination, serious diseases like polio, diphtheria and rubella have all been declared eliminated in the United States.
Benefit #4: Vaccines are typically covered by your Wellmark plan
Vaccines are often covered by your Wellmark health insurance plan — many at no cost to you if they're considered preventive. Before getting a vaccine, log in to myWellmark® to check your benefits. And be sure to use an in-network provider.
If you don't have health insurance, a program called Vaccines for Children (VFC) may be able to provide financial assistance for childhood vaccinations.
Get up to date on your vaccinations
Talk to your provider about what vaccines are right for you and your risk of going unvaccinated. Your provider will also make sure you’re up to date on any other age-appropriate preventive care you need.