Vaccines have long been one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine—saving millions of lives every year and keeping dangerous diseases at bay. Jonathan Palmer, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at San Juan Health Partners Pediatrics, shares why staying up to date on childhood vaccines is so essential for both individual and community health.
Why Early Vaccines Matter
“Most people know that vaccines are incredibly important for infants,” said Palmer. During those first two years of life, babies receive a series of vaccines designed to protect them from diseases that are still present in our communities. “Our infants really need to be protected from diseases that are endemic in our area,” he explained.
Vaccines given in infancy and early childhood, such as those for polio, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and hepatitis, provide critical early protection. These early doses build the foundation for a lifetime of immunity.
Measles: A Reminder of Why Vaccines Work
One of the most well-known vaccines is for measles, which children receive at around one year old and again around age four. “That booster makes it about 95–97 percent effective,” Palmer noted, “meaning most kids won’t get measles if exposed, and if they do, it will be much less severe.”
This high vaccination rate is what keeps communities safe. “We still have about a 95 percent vaccination rate for measles,” says Palmer, “and that’s enough to prevent the spread.” Unfortunately, not all communities maintain such strong coverage, and recent outbreaks have served as a reminder of what happens when vaccination rates drop.
Teen Vaccines Are Just as Important
Vaccines don’t stop being important after early childhood. As children grow into their teen years, new vaccines help protect against diseases more common in that age group. Palmer highlights the Meningococcal vaccine, which prevents meningitis, a potentially life-threatening infection most often seen in teens and young adults, especially those in college settings.
Other crucial boosters include Tdap, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. “These are ones we sometimes forget about,” Palmer said, “but they’re vital because teens are in that risk group.”
Talk to Trusted Experts—Not Social Media
Vaccine hesitancy has grown in some areas, and Palmer emphasizes the importance of getting information from trusted medical sources—not from social media. “Instead of meeting with healthcare providers and scientists, some people are meeting with Facebook and Instagram influencers,” he said. “Those influencers aren’t there to treat your children when something goes wrong.”
If you have questions or concerns about vaccines, your healthcare provider is the best person to talk to. “We’d really appreciate a conversation,” Palmer said. “If people are skeptical or concerned, just come in and chat with us—we can help them understand why vaccines are so important.”
Vaccines Protect Everyone
Vaccines aren’t just about individual protection—they’re about community health. When enough people are vaccinated, it helps prevent outbreaks and protects those who can’t be vaccinated, such as newborns or people with weakened immune systems. “We’ve seen the great work vaccines do for public health worldwide,” Palmer said.
By staying up to date on your child’s vaccines—from infancy through the teen years—you’re not just keeping your child healthy; you’re helping to safeguard the entire community. To schedule an appointment for your child’s vaccines, call San Juan Health Partners Pediatrics at 505.609.6700.