Since the year 2000, an estimated 17.1 million people have been saved by the measles vaccine. According to the Measles and Rubella Initiative and World Health Organization. As you stock your laboratory refrigerator with the latest live saving vaccinations you can’t help but wonder how to best explain to new parents why it is so important to vaccinate their kids.
As a medical professional, there are two ways you can help increase the number of vaccine ready parents: Know the answers to some difficult questions, store your vaccines properly to prevent issues in the future.
Tough questions, Good answers
- “But, in the United States, people don’t get these diseases… Why do I need to Vaccinate”Many people don’t think of the way disease travels. In 2014 there were 667 cases of measles in the United States, almost all cases were traced back to international travel. It’s important to help parents understand. Just because they’ve never seen the disease in their area, doesn’t mean it can’t be brought over from another country.
- “I don’t see why its important for my family”When dealing with the ‘what’s in it for me’ question, some parents need to think of it from a financial perspective. Vaccinations often mean less time missed because of sickness. Less sick days for them, fewer missed school days for the kids. Everybody wins.
- “Its just too expensive, I can’t afford to vaccinate. We’ll be fine.”When the parent is willing to vaccinate but simply cannot afford to make sure they are aware of the government programs available in their area. For example, the CDC heads a program for uninsured families called “Vaccines for Children.
Proper Storage
The United States Department of Health and Human Services conducted a study in 2012. They discovered that, of the 45 providers selected, 76% had left vaccines exposed to inappropriate temperatures. When working to keep children vaccinated, it’s important to handle the vaccines properly. A well-maintained laboratory refrigerator plays a huge role. Whether you have an undercounter medical refrigerator or pharmaceutical grade refrigerator, properly utilized vaccine storage refrigerators will prevent spoilage in your vaccines and help maintain parents faith in modern medicine.
It is important to work with parents who struggle with the idea of vaccination to overcome their concerns and help eradicate disease across the world. By continuing to store your vaccines correctly and respectfully helping parents understand the need for vaccines, you can make a huge difference in this social issue.