Meet Sarah Commers, a recent high school graduate who found herself amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Conners understood the gravity of the COVID situation and knew that getting vaccinated was a crucial step in protecting herself and those around her.
Preserving public health
Born in India and witnessing firsthand the impact of preventable diseases, Conners’ mother instilled in her the value of vaccines. This upbringing bolstered her confidence in the importance of vaccinations and, more so, their role in preserving public health.
Today, Conner continues to advocate for vaccinations and educate others on their importance. She also works as a team member of UNLV alumni who educate young Nevadans on vaccinations. This includes educating parents on diseases and where vaccination comes in. She also addresses any concerns or misinformation regarding vaccination. Recently, there has been a significant decline in the vaccination rate, and the UNLV alumni are working on uncovering the reasons people don’t get vaccinated.
Nevada Low Vaccination rates
Between the years 2023-24, Nevada had a high rate of exemptions from vaccines at 6.7%, which is twice the average for the entire country, as reported by data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In contrast, only 0.5% of these exemptions were for medical reasons.
Associate Professor Dr. Iain Walker from the University of Canberra states that these high rates of non-medical exemptions are a major concern as they put the health of not only children but also the entire community at risk. “We don’t want to be in a situation where we end up with an outbreak that affects the whole community; vaccines are for the purpose of having a healthy community,” he said.
Vaccine & Autism?
There has been a lot of discussion and research conducted on the potential link between vaccines and autism. However, no evidence has been found to support this claim. Despite this lack of scientific evidence, the theory continues to persist. It’s an issue that began in 1998 when a study by Andrew Wakefield was published, linking the MMR vaccine to autism. However, this study has since been debunked and retracted by the journal that originally published it. Moreover, the study had major flaws such as a small sample size and lack of control group, it was later retracted.
Raising awareness and providing support in Las Vegas
At Nevada Autism Center, we are committed to raising awareness and supporting individuals with autism and their families. We understand the challenges of this condition, but we also know that early intervention and proper support can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected. We encourage everyone to educate themselves about autism and to be understanding and accepting of individuals on the spectrum. If you have any doubts or concerns about your child’s development, don’t hesitate to seek our help.
Our team comprises compassionate and experienced professionals who will handle your child’s needs with care and expertise.
