Why vaccination is important?

In September 2019, the European Commission and the World Health Organization hosted the world’s first Global Vaccination Summit in Brussels, Belgium. Numerous health leaders and authorities met to discuss the need to step up efforts to support vaccination.

According to Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, the dilemma of misinformation about vaccines has led to a decrease in the rates of essential vaccination, and an upscale in the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Clearly, vaccination coverage must be improved to stem the increase in these preventable diseases. To help address this, Pacific Prime Dubai will provide an overview of what vaccinations are, mention a few effective strategies for increasing immunization rates, and provide some tips for expats and travelers.

What are vaccines?

A vaccine (or immunization) helps the body’s immune system to recognize and fight pathogens and protect the body against more than 25 debilitating or life-threatening diseases, including measles, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, meningitis, influenza, tetanus, typhoid, and cervical cancer. Getting a vaccination is one of the most effective ways of preventing diseases and stopping them from spreading.

How does immunity work?

Our immune system, a complex network of cells and proteins that defend the body against infection, requires exposure to different germs in order to strengthen it.

Getting exposed to a germ

When the body is exposed to a germ for the first time, it produces antibodies to combat it. The process of building immunity takes time and you would usually get sick before the antibodies have built up. However, once those antibodies are present, they remain in the body for an extended period of time. So the next time you are exposed to the same germ, the antibodies will recognize and alert the immune system to destroy the infection.

This is why getting vaccinated ahead of time gives the person a higher chance of combating the disease without falling severely ill. This is especially true for germs and infections that people haven’t come across.

Get vaccinated for improved health

Everyone needs vaccines to combat these deadly diseases and halt their spread. They are recommended for infants, children, teenagers, and adults. Generally, no matter what your background, gender, ethnicity, or age is, it is imperative to get vaccinated. Getting a vaccination for most people is safe because the foreign germs and viruses are denatured before administering and unable to spread.

Three effective strategies for increasing immunization rates

Local authorities, small to large corporate organizations, and health officials can implement the following effective strategies to ensure members of the population, workers, and patients are on track with their immunization plans:

1. Provide a clear recommendation

In order for people to make the right decisions, information must be backed with facts, figures, and concrete evidence that indicate the need for vaccinations. Businesses can educate their workforce and encourage them to seek further guidance from a health specialist. Inviting health and wellbeing specialists to do a talk could also bring people closer to understanding the seriousness of diseases and getting a vaccination. This generally helps with the wellness of employees and ensures that they are fit and healthy, in and out of work.

2. Adopt an encouraging, positive approach to vaccinations

Health officials or GPs can encourage and engage their patients directly and educate them on the trends, benefits, and the importance of getting vaccinated

3. Be proactive in making appointments

GPs or managers at health clinics can reach out to patients by arranging appointments and sending out reminders. This strategy aims to show patients and members of the population that their health is being taken seriously by the healthcare system.

Health information for travelers to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

If you are planning on moving to the UAE with your family and have intentions of staying for the long term, it is recommended to speak to your GP or travel health specialist for advice on vaccinations. It is also important to highlight any pre-existing conditions so that they can be taken into account.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all travelers should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling. The following vaccinations are recommended:

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• Yellow fever

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting ill while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating. Use antiseptic soap and handwash.
• Clean hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. Use a face mask to avoid inhaling dust, especially during dust storms.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are ill, stay at home unless you need emergency medical care.

Are vaccines covered by insurance?

Most international health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines, but you may want to check with your health insurance provider before going to the doctor.

Check for health plans with Pacific Prime Dubai

Health insurance advisors at Pacific Prime Dubai have the tools and experience to handle your search for comprehensive health plans in the UAE.

The benefits of using an insurance intermediary like Pacific Prime Dubai include:

• A plethora of health insurance plans from global insurers for individuals, families, and corporate organizations.
• A talented team that can manage the whole process of finding you the right insurance plan.
• Free assistance with renewing and renegotiating your coverage.
• Highly trained and knowledgeable advisors.
• Solutions that are designed to ensure that they are always the best for your organization.
• Leverage in negotiating coverage details and premiums.
• A free of charge service to customize a solution that meets your needs.

For more information on global health insurance vaccination coverage, trends and news, just drop us a line, and one of our insurance advisors will be in touch with you soon.

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Jimmy

Content Creator at Pacific Prime Dubai

Jimmy is a content writer who helps simplify insurance for readers interested in international private medical insurance. He is on a mission in Thailand to support locals, expatriates, and businesses by bring the latest news and updates to his Pacific Prime blog articles.

His expert view and wealth of knowledge on insurance can also be found in his blogs for China, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

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