Research Shows Vaccines Are Vital to Preventing Serious and Deadly Diseases

Vaccines are the most effective tool we have to prevent infectious diseases, with most being 90 to 100 percent effective according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In observance of National Immunization Awareness Month, Harken Health Insurance Company, a health care company that connects access to relationship-based primary care with competitively-priced health insurance, encourages parents to ensure children’s vaccinations are current in time for the upcoming school year.

Committed to reducing, and eventually eradicating preventable diseases, the annual observance, that takes place in August, falls in line with Harken Health’s focus on preventive care. Research conducted by the CDC indicates cases of disease outbreaks directly correlate to the rate of vaccinated individuals in the community. In order to preserve the health and immunity of children and adults, it is recommended that the rate of vaccination remain above 90 percent for all eligible individuals.

“By declining vaccines, children and adults can potentially endanger the lives of those who cannot receive them,” says Hogai Nassery, M.D., Atlanta medical director at Harken Health. “As we learned from the recent measles outbreak, the health and safety of our community is compromised when vaccination rates decline. National Immunization Awareness Month is an opportunity to review your family’s vaccination records to make sure they are up-to-date.”

Parents can receive the recommended immunization schedule at CDC.gov/vaccines or at a neighborhood Harken Health Center. Harken physicians and care teams are prepared to help parents make individualized care decisions for their children. For more information on the Harken Health Centers, visit www.harkenhealth.com.

About Harken Health

Harken Health Insurance Company is a new kind of health care company that connects relationship-based primary care with competitively priced health insurance plan options. Members receive unlimited, $0 primary care visits at Harken Health Centers; a dedicated, personal Care Team available by phone, email, text or video visits; 24-hour, 7-days a week phone access to Harken Health Center care providers; complimentary health and wellness classes at the Harken Health Centers; and prescription drug coverage. There are currently 10 Harken Health Centers in Atlanta and Chicago neighborhoods. At Harken Health, our goal is “to change what the world expects from health care, one community at a time.”  For more information, visit harkenhealth.com.