Preventable infections can worsen effects of COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found a troubling drop in routine childhood and adult vaccinations. At least some of the blame is assigned to disruptions caused by COVID-19.

While it is important for people to follow public health warnings about going out, an unfortunate result is that many of them are missing their routine vaccinations.

Routine vaccination is an essential preventive care service for children, adolescents and adults, including pregnant women. Vaccines should not be delayed because of COVID-19.

Now is an especially important time for you to work with your family’s medical providers to be sure your entire family is current on all the vaccines needed to stay healthy.

Why are vaccinations important?

Some health conditions — such as diabetes and heart, lung and liver disease — can make it

harder for people to fight off vaccine-preventable diseases like the flu. They also make it more likely you will have serious complications or die if you contract a disease like COVID-19. People managing ongoing health issues need to pay close attention to their immunizations.

As we approach the peak flu season in the fall and winter, it is particularly important to get a current vaccine against influenza viruses. It is also important, when warranted, to inoculate against the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease. Both infections attack the lungs, which also are the prime target of the COVID-19 virus. Any combination of these diseases can be deadly to susceptible individuals.