Istanbul Gelisim University - “1 million people die every year from vaccine-preventable diseases”

“1 million people die every year from vaccine-preventable diseases”

Stating that vaccines protect not only the individuals but also the society, Public Health Specialist Dr. Nurten Elkin said, “More than one million people still die every year from vaccine-preventable diseases worldwide. Many of these diseases are not seen at all or rare in Turkey thanks to our vaccination programs.” Dr. Nurten Elkin made further statements on the issue.

“SMALLPOX WAS ERADICATED BY DIVERSE VACCINATION”

Implying that such diseases are almost never seen in Turkey thanks to vaccination programs, Public Health Specialist Dr. Nurten Elkin said, “Vaccines can prevent infectious diseases that kill or harm many infants, children and adults. Widespread vaccination has eradicated smallpox, and a 99 percent reduction succeeded in polio. If your child is unvaccinated, he or she is at risk of many vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, polio, meningitis, tetanus, jaundice as well as the disability and death they may cause.

“MOTHERS NEED TO BE CONSCIOUS”

Emphasizing that especially mothers should be conscious and that it is important for their children to be vaccinated on time and without delay, from Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Faculty of Health Sciences, Asst. Prof. Nurten Elkin said, “Thanks to the National Immunization Program of our Ministry of Health and especially infancy and childhood vaccination, children are immunized against hepatitis B, tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, HIB (Hemophilus Influenza Type B), polio (polio), pneumococcus, measles, rubella, mumps, chicken pox, and hepatitis A.”

“THESE ILNESSES CAN BE PREVENTED WITH VACCINES”

Stating that vaccine-preventable diseases are very serious diseases, Dr. Nurten Elkin said, “They can lead to serious consequences (complications) such as encephalitis, pneumonia, blindness, blood inflammation, ear infections, congenital rubella syndrome and even death in both children and adults. These diseases can be prevented with vaccines. Failure to vaccinate against these diseases leaves children unnecessarily vulnerable and puts their health at risk. Vaccination is much more effective and cheaper than other epidemic prevention activities such as quarantine/isolation practices and widespread screening/diagnostic tests.”