Miscellaneous
Not everything in medicine can be treated with an antibiotic, and there is a big push for preventative health care. On the front lines of this preventive care are vaccines, the most significant advancement in medicine and possibly one of the most critical things physicians do every day. In this episode, Dr. Ron Swain, Jr. talks with Dr. Jennifer Adair from the Alabama Vaccine Advisory Committee about the role of immunization and vaccinations in preventing disease, and more specifically, the role of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Dr. Swain explores how this HPV vaccine is not just for sexually transmitted diseases but could be considered a cancer vaccine. Lastly, Dr. Adair explains the societal benefits of improved immunization rates, common side effects and when some vaccinations should not be administered to Children. Dr. Adair is passionate about this important (and sometimes controversial) subject, and she is an excellent resource for understanding the importance of vaccinations. Key Takeaways > Vaccines are probably the single most significant advancement in medicine. They have reduced deaths and improved people's lifespans. > Vaccines are a virus or bacteria concoction used to expose a patient's body to specific viruses and bacteria, so the patient's immune system can fight an illness off before having any symptoms. > There is a new vaccine that protects against nine strains of HPV instead of four. So, now, instead of protecting against about 70% to 80% of cervical cancer, it's now protecting against 90% of cervical cancer. > "By 2020, the number of human papillomavirus-positive oral pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is expected to surpass those of cervical cancers." - Journal of the American Medical Association, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Volume 144 > Reasons to not vaccinate: very young children with an underdeveloped immune system, or if there is a medical problem or pharmaceutical issue that suppresses their immune system.st operative care. > About 99% of vaccines are covered by the insurance. > Herd Immunity is what we rely on to protect our young children and the immunocompromised. Need an Appointment or Sinus Consultation? Call Dr. Swain’s nursing staff at 251-470-8823 or schedule an appointment here. Quotable Quotes > I'm not gonna do anything to jeopardize your child's health, but vaccines are just that important." I mean, it's just changed everything about our life and living a long, healthy life. And, yes, I am passionate about helping parents feel comfortable about that decision for their child too. - Dr. Jennifer Adair > The biggest change in Otolaryngology, from a vaccination standpoint in the past 20 years, has been the number of head and neck cancers that have been diagnosed that are human papillomavirus-positive. - Dr. Jennifer Adair > There are some insurances where you do have a co-pay or some deductible, but usually, I would say, 99% of the time, we have found that all the vaccines are covered by insurance. - Dr. Jennifer Adair Resources Dr. Jennifer Adair Children's Medical Group CDC website American Academy of Pediatrics Subscribe to The Swain Sinus Show Never miss a new episode of our show. Please subscribe to our show on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, and any other place you find your favorite podcasts. Like the Swain Sinus Show? Please share with a friend and go rate and review us on iTunes. The more reviews we receive makes it easier for others to find us and helps us grow our show. Thanks so much for listening, breathe easy, and have a great day. This brought to you in part by the fine doctors and staff at Premier Medical in Mobile, Alabama.