(Editor’s Note: When we consider the importance of immunization, most persons usually think about children. However, one would find out that adult immunization is just as important as childhood immunization. Each August is identified as the International Immunization Month, which is closely followed by the third (3rd) week in September as our National Immunization Week in The Bahamas. The Bahamas has been rated by international standards as having 92% coverage and eradication of the crippling and sometimes deadly communicable diseases. )
Communicable Diseases
A communicable disease is a catching or an infectious illness. Communicable diseases spread from an infected person to a susceptible person, from animals and the environment as well.
The Transference of Diseases
Communicable (infectious) diseases occur when specific organisms / germs enter the body. Once the germs enter the body, it stops its normal functions and begins to malfunction resulting in illness/sickness. The person’s immune system becomes weak and cannot build up a resistance to fight the germs. Therefore, sick infected persons come into contact with well persons and spread the illness.
Bacteria, viruses and parasites are some of the organisms that cause the communicable diseases. These organisms enter the body through direct or indirect contact with persons. The exchange of body fluids plays a very important role in the spread of communicable diseases. Some examples direct contact are:
Through the skin (e.g. cuts or open wounds)
Through the mouth (e.g. kissing, eating (ingestion of) dirty water, milk and/or food)
Through the respiratory system via inhalation (breathing in droplets from infected persons coughing or sneezing).
Contact with contaminated objects allows for indirect contact with the germs that causes the diseases. Some examples of items that are commonly noted as objects used in indirect contact are:
Dirty toys, towels, bed sheets, and/or injection needles.
Dirty hands
Dirty pets
Germ carrying animals also called Vectors (e.g. mosquitoes, rats, flies, dogs). These carry germs on their feet and other parts of their body.
Germs are also carried in the soil, as a result of human and animal discharges that could be found in them.
Examples Of Preventable Communicable Diseases
Some infectious diseases are:
• Measles
• Mumps
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis B
• Poliomyelitis
• Tuberculosis
• Tetanus
• Rubella
We Can Promote Resistance To Communicable Diseases
There is natural and artificial immunization that could occur in the human body that would promote resistance to communicable diseases. Persons exposed to these diseases build up a resistance to the germs that fight against future exposures. This occurs naturally (in some cases) with direct contact with the infected person. The artificial immunization occurs when small portions of the weakened down germ in introduced into the body by injection.
Who Needs Immunization?
All persons are required to be completely immunized. Vaccines are given at any session of the government clinic. Well or sick baby clinic immunizations are also given. Vaccines are necessary for both children and adults and should not be taken for granted. Adults, especially those of childbearing age, are cautioned to get their tetanus every ten (10) years and their three (3) doses of both the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and the Hepatitis -B. It has been noted that there is about an eight percent (8%) immunization defaulters found in the government clinics. Persons who miss their clinic appointments are either called or contacted at home when possible. Parents/Caregivers are encouraged to provide the clinics with updates in cases of change of address. Too often nurses are unable to locate the children needing vaccinations; and they are left with the last resort of making a radio announcement. The Department of Public Health is grateful to the countless reminders from family and friends who contact the defaulters for them. Persons are also reminded to secure the immunization records because they are also legal documents children need to demonstrate proof of immunization to gain registration into schools (government and private, and universities). Immunizations are FREE and are available at all major government clinics found within many of our residential areas. Persons are encouraged to use the health services that are made available to them to improve or maintain their health.
The Dangers Of Not Receiving Vaccinations
If the general public has been vaccinated, they are protected but if they are not they can catch any of the communicable diseases they become exposed to. Failure to become immunized leads to illnesses (cancer of the liver, cirrhosis), sterility, brain damage, pneumonias, disabilities (deafness, paralysis) and even death. We are also a tourist destination, and with the constant coming and going of persons, we increase the possibilities of diseases out break on the part of residents and visitors alike.
Health Promotion For An Immunized Bahamas
Here are some things you can do to promote resistance to communicable diseases:
Eat three balanced meals a day
Exercise, sleep and rest adequately
Wash your hands before meals and after using the toilette
Stay away from others when you have an infectious disease
Be faithful to one (1) sexual partner
Have physical examinations once a year and go to a clinic if you are sick
Have a dental check ups twice a year
Prevent diseases through immunization
Learn about your body and your health
Keep your environment clean.
For more information on the importance of child and adult immunization in observance of International Immunization Month and the up coming National Immunization Week (third week in September), please call the Department of Public Health at telephone 502-4737 or the Health Education Division at telephone 502-4848 at the Ministry of Health.
