In recognition of Men’s Health Month, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) encourages all men to take charge of their own health. Special thanks to Salvatore J. Giorgianni, PharmD, vice president of Healthy Men, Inc., an NFID partner organization, for this guest blog post about the importance of disease prevention for men. Giorgianni is a pharmacist and chair-emeritus of the American Public Health Association Men’s Health Caucus.
Why is focusing on men’s health so important?
Men make up nearly half the US population—and just as a gardener would not ignore half a garden and expect a full harvest, we cannot ignore men’s health and expect to see healthy families and communities. It is easy to put off preventive care when life gets busy, but taking time to stay healthy makes sense. Men who take steps to protect their own health also help protect their families, including children, as well as their coworkers and communities.
Staying up to date on all recommended vaccines and taking other steps to prevent illness helps ensure men are ready for what matters most—whether it’s showing up for loved ones, handling responsibilities, or simply enjoying life. No one wants to be flat on their back when they could be out living a full life.
Why are vaccination rates often lower among men than women?
Men tend to have about half as many wellness visits as women, which means fewer opportunities to talk with a healthcare professional about prevention, including vaccines. Some men may think getting sick with influenza (flu) or COVID-19 is not a big deal, but these illnesses can be serious, especially for those who live with older family members or work with others at higher risk of serious complications. Men may not realize how miserable shingles can be or how dangerous measles is to their reproductive health.
There are many reasons men may skip vaccinations—limited access, busy schedules, or simply not prioritizing their own health. Men generally do not like being told what to do, which has impacted COVID-19 vaccination rates because some men felt pressured (either by their spouse or public health experts) to get vaccinated.
But the bottom line is, being informed and in control of your health is empowering.
What role can pharmacists play in increasing vaccination rates?
Access is key. Community pharmacies represent a vaccination opportunity in many parts of the US, including rural and underserved communities. A wide range of vaccines are available in community pharmacies, making it easy and convenient to get vaccinated—often without having to make an appointment or wait in a doctor’s office. Many insurers currently cover vaccines in pharmacies, and pharmacists are a great source of information about vaccines.
Where can expecting and new dads go for more information on vaccines?
Expecting (and new) dads are typically very protective of mom and baby and one of the most important ways to help protect both is through vaccination. Women routinely receive guidance on vaccines during obstetric care visits, but dads-to-be rarely get the same counseling. Yet, protecting the health of your family is a big part of becoming a dad. If men have questions or concerns about vaccines during pregnancy, they can talk with a trusted healthcare professional (including their partner’s OB/GYN) as a great way to get accurate information and help ensure that they are doing what is best for their family.
What other resources are available on men’s health?
The mission of Healthy Men, Inc. is to reimagine healthcare in a “guy-friendly” way and provide resources to empower boys and men to actively engage in their health, including:
- Vaccine Checkpoints, a 1-page guide updated regularly to reflect new vaccine recommendations
- Top 10 Reasons Expectant Dads Should Get a Flu Vaccine
When it comes to your health, good decisions start with good information. It is important for men to talk with trusted healthcare professionals to learn about the benefits and risks of vaccination, and make sure they have the facts they need to make good decisions to help protect themselves, their families, and their communities. Vaccination is one powerful way to do just that. Men want to make their own choices, and the best way to do so is by becoming knowledgeable and staying informed.
Learn more about men’s health at healthymen.org.
To join the conversation and get the latest news on infectious diseases:
- Like and follow NFID on social media
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- Listen and subscribe to the Infectious IDeas podcast
- Subscribe to receive future NFID Updates
