HONOLULU (KHON2) — As new viruses like COVID-19, bird flu, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) continue to spread, vaccines have become more critical than ever.
These vaccines are vital for protecting vulnerable populations, including the elderly and immunocompromised.
Dr. Amesh Adalja, a Senior Scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, has long worked in infectious disease and pandemic preparedness.
He believes that vaccines are not just helpful but that they’re essential in our fight against infectious diseases.
Dr. Adalja has treated many immunocompromised patients over the years and has seen firsthand how dangerous respiratory viruses can be.
He explained, “Vulnerable populations have always had to be on alert regarding respiratory viruses. As an infectious disease doctor, I’ve taken care of immunocompromised patients for years. Any viral infection could be deadly, and you need to take advantage of tools like vaccines and antivirals as soon as you become ill.”
He also stressed that, “the best thing is prevention, and vaccines are the cornerstone of prevention. If you can be vaccinated for any infection, that’s what you should do. Vaccines are one of humankind’s greatest technological inventions.”
He pointed to the success of the COVID-19 vaccines as a turning point in the pandemic.
“That’s why the COVID-19 pandemic trajectory changed once the vaccine was available,” he added.
Despite the many benefits of vaccines, public trust in them has fluctuated, with some people doubting their safety.
“All vaccines have side effects. No vaccine has zero side effects, but the risks associated with vaccines are far outweighed by the risk of the disease itself,” he added as he addressed these concerns.
While rare, side effects like Bell’s palsy have been reported, but Dr. Adalja notes that these are usually treatable and reversible.
“You have to weigh the risk of the disease versus the risk of the vaccine,” he explained. “For a high-risk person, the risk of COVID-19 is considerable.”
It’s this risk-benefit calculation that people must understand, particularly those who are most vulnerable to severe illness.
“During the early parts of the pandemic, the risk-benefit calculation wasn’t really voiced well. It was all kind of one-size-fits-all,” Dr. Adalja said.
But for vulnerable populations, that calculation is different. Vaccines help prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death.
Antivirals, another important tool in fighting these diseases, are also part of the equation. Dr. Adalja explained that antivirals are pills that interfere with a virus’s ability to reproduce in the body.
“Antivirals decrease the level of virus in your body, which helps reduce symptoms and, most importantly, decreases complications like hospitalization and death,” he said.
So, they work alongside vaccines to lessen the severity of an infection.
Dr. Adalja encouraged people to access reliable information to make informed decisions about vaccines and antivirals.
“The CDC has a very good webpage that explains antivirals and vaccines. There are also other organizations promoting antiviral education,” he advised.
The key, he said, is not to see these tools as a burden but as a means of reducing the impact of these illnesses.
For communities facing constant threats from viruses like COVID, flu and RSV, education is crucial.
Dr. Adalja emphasizes that we can’t prevent every disease, but vaccines and antivirals make a big difference in how we manage and recover from these illnesses.
“The more we understand and embrace vaccines and antivirals, the better prepared we’ll be for the challenges ahead,” he said.
In the ongoing battle against infectious diseases, Dr. Adalja’s message is clear: “Vaccines are a tool we should cherish. They are vital for protecting not only individuals but entire communities.”
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And with viruses like COVID-19, bird flu, and RSV still circulating, embracing vaccination remains one of our most powerful defenses.