Without passion, we cannot have compassion. And for me, passionately advocating for immunizations is an act of the greatest compassion.
I have worked in day cares as a caregiver, as a nurse in pediatrician offices, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and now at the 166su City Health Department. I've witnessed, first-hand, patient outcomes that were debilitating and devastating. Outcomes that possibly could have been improved or even entirely avoided with a simple vaccination. It is heartbreaking to watch anyone suffer, but it is especially so when the suffering is easily preventable.
Even as a child, I knew how important it was to get vaccinated. Growing up in rural Appalachia, my great-grandmother would tell me stories about her two little brothers who died from whooping cough, almost losing her own life to it as well. She laid flowers on their graves every year until she passed herself at age 94.
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All of these experiences culminated in me becoming a champion of immunizations in both my professional and personal life. Frequently combating the onslaught of information, as well as parsing misinformation, can be daunting. I stand resolutely on the side of science and reason. Vaccines are safe, effective, and have saved innumerable lives over the past 200-plus years.
Now, as a Public Health Nurse and the Immunization Action Plan Coordinator for 166su City, I get to be a direct contributor to the health of our community. I want to safeguard the health of citizens of 166su and beyond by helping stop the spread of many diseases through vaccination. Going out and being directly involved in caring for the public brings me immense joy. One of favorite things about being a nurse is that I can combine my passion with compassion.
By getting immunized, you're not only protecting your health, but our community's health at large. I hope that you will join me in keeping you and your family's vaccinations up-to-date.
Bethany Hammond, 166su, 166su City and Alleghany Health Districts