The Patient Perspective: Vaccines

Vaccines are one of the most effective tools for protecting and promoting public health. With hundreds of vaccines in development to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including a record number for cancer and potential first-in-class vaccines for E.coli and Alzheimer’s disease, there has never been so much hope for patients in the United States and around the globe. Thanks to advancements in the vaccine pipeline, physicians, public health professionals, and most importantly, patients of all ages, are now armed with safe and effective tools to fight the spread of infectious and chronic diseases that put our well-being at risk. Moreover, vaccines are instrumental in preventing disease severity and improving health outcomes, with routine childhood vaccinations preventing tens of millions of hospitalizations and more than one million deaths over the last two decades according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

To get a better perspective on the impact scientific innovation has had on patients and their families, I caught up with Suzanne, a shingles patient from Delaware, and Vic, a new parent and early childhood educator in Georgia. Suzanne and Vic have witnessed the benefits of vaccines first-hand — not just for their own care — but also for their loved ones, neighbors and communities.

Matthew — Let’s start with some background. Could you share a bit about the impact vaccines have made in your life?

Suzanne — I am an older adult, and I have suffered from shingles. While it originates from the same virus that causes chickenpox, it’s a very common viral infection that causes severe pain. I found the pain from shingles to be constant and unbearable, making it difficult to enjoy life. To make matters worse, shingles flare ups can cause severe complications, including mental health issues, permanent scarring and even vision and hearing loss. The shingles vaccine has been a godsend to alleviate my worries about shingles resurfacing again.

Vic — Having welcomed my first child this year, I have all the worries of any new parent, and my child’s health and well-being always come first. I also operate childcare centers across Georgia, and it’s my responsibility to ensure that all of our kids are safe and healthy when they come in every day. It’s no understatement to say that fighting against the wide range of infectious diseases present today is a top priority in both my personal and professional life, and the availability of vaccines is absolutely crucial.

Matthew — As biopharmaceutical companies continue to advance science around vaccines, there is real promise for the new life-changing and life-saving vaccines to be available to patients in the future. What excites you about the innovation on the horizon?

Suzanne — Older Americans already have enough health issues to worry about. I am fortunate that the shingles vaccine was there for me when I needed it, but for many people my age, suffering from diseases like cancer or Alzheimer’s, there is still not a cure on the market. It gives me hope that soon, many of these patients may be able to find an answer like me.

Vic — As a parent and an educator, I have seen first-hand how critical vaccines have been in reducing infectious diseases among small children. Whether it’s RSV, whooping cough, or even polio, early inoculation allows for the greatest number of people to stay healthy. As research and development continues move forward, I’m hopeful we can further reduce and even eradicate many of the viral infections that put our children’s health at risk.

Matthew — If you could say anything to those proponents about your experiences with vaccines, what would it be?

Suzanne — As a shingles patient, I have developed a close relationship with my physician, as I’m sure millions of other patients with chronic diseases have. My doctor understands my condition, and when he recommended the vaccine for me, he knew it was a safe and effective treatment for my condition. While the vaccine may not guarantee I’ll be symptom-free forever, it has truly given me a new lease on life and drastically reduced the threat of complications from shingles. I hope lawmakers understand this, and always work to ensure that patients’ care stays between them and their doctors.

Vic — I think it’s important to understand that vaccines are not a silver bullet, and we may still need to take precautions to protect our children from illness. However, teaching children and raising a child of my own, it is not lost on me the privileges vaccines afford us. With the development of vaccines for dozens of diseases and many more on the way, I can now teach my students safely and ensure a healthy upbringing for my child without the constant worry that they may catch a virus that could set them back years.

Learn more about vaccines in PhRMA’s Medicines in Development Report.