Bobbi Scott, Public Health Nurse and Immunization Coordinator at the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department, spoke to us about vaccination in Benzie County.
The Health Department has provided an immunization program in Benzie and Leelanau Counties since 1996. Vaccinations are essential throughout life, and routine vaccinations remain the most effective way to prevent diseases. In 2023 the Department provided a total of 3,870 vaccines at a cost of $500,000.
According to the CDC, for children born between 1994 and 2023 routine vaccination averted approximately 508 million diseases, 32 million hospitalizations and 1,129,000 deaths--resulting in societal savings nearing $2.7 trillion.
Challenges to immunization programs include gaps in vaccination coverage and vaccine hesitancy. While healthcare providers can offer accurate information as to vaccination benefits, it is ultimately up to parents to decide whether their children are to receive vaccinations.
In her PowerPoint presentation Bobbi covered vaccines for adults, which included
- Tdap
- Influenza
- Shingles
- COVID-19
As was apparent from the Q&A, today's talk was of substantial interest to our members.