Why is it important for dental professionals to keep their vaccinations up to date?

Answered by: Dr. John Molinari

Vaccinations are one of the fundamental components of an overall infection control program. They provide long-term immunity without the necessity for repeated administrative antibiotics. Protective vaccines have been developed against a number of common infections, such as influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, measles, mumps, rubella, and polio. Vaccination immunology has been a component of clinical science since the late 1700’s when Dr. Edward Jenner developed the first smallpox vaccine and administrated it to people in England. Since then, vaccinations have become an effective public health strategy for minimizing the impact of a number of life threatening infections on the population. Vaccinations are also important to health care professionals because many of these infections can present occupational risks. Many of these infections can be transmitted during the provision of care from infected patients, prior to the onset of symptoms. By receiving the recommended vaccines, health care workers can further protect themselves.