As the federal government changes many of the Centers for Disease Control recommendations, there is uncertainty about who should get vaccinations and for what.
"It's very confusing with the new recommendations coming out from either the CDC or even from different states. I think it's important to give this clarity and guidance, based in science and not in politics," said Dr. Henning Ansorg, Santa Barbara County’s Public Health Officer.
Ansorg said most people take vaccines for granted, because they've effectively eradicated a number of devastating diseases that were once commonplace.
"Many people are throwing out the baby with the bath water," said Ansorg. "If somebody was able to prevent polio in the 1930s, '40s, or '50s, people would have jumped up and down. It (the vaccine) was the biggest miracle."
According to Ansorg, the county is now using science-based and evidence-driven recommendations from the California Department of Public Health.
"For children, they're relying on recommendations that come out from the American Academy of Pediatrics," said Dr. Ansorg. "They have a good record of coming out with sound recommendations. With pregnant women, we rely on the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with recommendations to prevent illness in the expectant mothers and their soon-to-be newborn."
He added that for people between ages 18 and 65, they rely on the old CDC recommendations for COVID. That means vaccinations for babies under two, or people over 65, because they have generally weaker immune systems.
"Between two and 65, it depends on the person's underlying health conditions. If they're healthy, they usually have a robust immune system and are not that much in need of a vaccine," said Ansorg.
One exception is if you have a family member with cancer or other immune system issues. You should get vaccinated to protect that person.
There’s been a recent bump in the number of COVID cases in California and the U.S. It’s a new variant. However, the public’s group immunity is better, and the latest variant is considered to be less dangerous than earlier ones.
An updated vaccine is at hand, coming into pharmacies during the next few weeks.
While much of the focus is on COVID-19, Ansorg said we should remember our flu shots. It’s especially important for the young, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
He points out another concern: You could simultaneously get the flu and COVID-19. Without a flu vaccination, the combination could lead to serious illness.
Ansorg said the bottom line is that vaccinations are important to keep us healthy.
"There are obviously people who believe strongly that vaccines cause more harm than good. I do differ. Vaccines are an absolute godsend; they just don't protect ourselves, but (also protect) the people around us."
