StayWell Guam Inc.

Emerging Health concern

1. Whooping cough is on Guam's radar. DPHSS's Guam Immunization Program recently flagged whooping cough as a local concern, a reminder to check your family's DTaP/Tdap status.
2. Flu vaccines still work, even against a shifting strain. A study of over 600,000 people found flu vaccination reduce hospitalization/ICU risk in children by about half and lowered it by roughly 30–40% in adults, with even bigger drops in pneumonia and ICU risk for seniors.
3. The vaccine lineup keeps expanding. Beyond childhood staples, newer vaccines against HPV, RSV, dengue, meningitis, and mpox are helping people stay protected at every life stage.
4. Global gaps remain wide. Vaccines have saved 150+ million lives since 1974, although in 2024, 20 million children worldwide missed at least one dose.

Myth vs. Fact

Myth: "Vaccine-preventable diseases are a thing of the past."

Fact: With 20 million children under-vaccinated globally in 2024, once-rare diseases can resurface fast. Guam's travel connections to Asia and the Pacific make imported cases a real risk.

Myth: "The flu shot doesn't work against new strains."

Fact: Even with an imperfect match, flu vaccination still meaningfully lowers the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

Myth: "Vaccines cause autism."

Fact: This is one of the most studied questions in vaccine safety. A 2025 review by the World Health Organization's independent vaccine safety experts, covering studies published between 2010 and 2025, found no causal link between childhood vaccines and autism spectrum disorder.

What This Means for Your Family in Guam

• Flu shots are recommended for nearly everyone 6 months and up, getting vaccinated in September or October gives your body time to build protection before flu activity picks up.
• Check or update immunization records anytime through GuWebIZ, Guam's secure registry.
• DPHSS's Immunization Program offers childhood shots, adult education, school compliance support, and community vaccination events.
• Most vaccines are covered as preventive care under a standard Guam health insurance plan, often at no cost in-network, worth checking before flu season peaks.

Talk to Your Doctor, Not Just Your Newsfeed

Misinformation spreads fast online. Your doctor, pediatrician, or local DPHSS clinic is still the best source for questions on vaccine safety, timing, or catch-up schedules. A quick call to check your health insurance benefits can make the visit easier to plan.

This National Immunization Awareness Month, take a few minutes to check your family's records and see what's due. It's a small step that keeps our island healthier for generations to come.

As part of its commitment to your overall health, your insurance plan provides coverage for preventive care services, including recommended immunizations. If you have questions about your coverage or need help finding an in-network provider, our team at StayWell is just a call away. Here's to a healthier Guam, one shot at a time.