From the Front Lines: Vaccines Changed Everything
"Over the years, vaccines changed everything. They spared children from suffering, and spared families from unimaginable loss." -Betty Walsh, RN, Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer
Betty began her nursing career in 1974, walking into pediatrics at a time when childhood illness was something you heard, saw, and carried home with you. Over 33 years as a pediatric nurse, she cared for generations of children, witnessing firsthand how vaccines quietly transformed pediatric care. “In the 1980’s, meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB) infection, was a regular and devastating sight,” she recalled. “Children would scream in pain, arching their backs, and even when they survived, we feared lasting damage such as hearing loss.” Then, the HIB vaccine was introduced. “After that, I never saw another case,” she said. “Not once.” Chickenpox, diphtheria, and other once-common diseases left lasting impressions. Chickenpox became painfully personal when her own daughter contracted it before the vaccine existed. “She was very sick, high fever, sallow color, limp in my arms. She had to be hospitalized.” Even more devastating was a two-year-old patient she cared for who developed Reye’s syndrome following chickenpox. “That child didn’t survive.” As vaccines became more widely available, the nursing capacity changed. “We used to have dozens of pediatric patients at a time,” she said. “Currently, it’s one or two patients, and only a few pediatric nurses are needed. Vaccines keep kids out of the hospital. We just don’t see those terrible diseases anymore.” She is quick to remind people that some diseases haven’t disappeared completely. “Diphtheria and tetanus aren’t eradicated, they’re still in the ground, in the water,” she said. “And pertussis used to be everywhere. Babies under two months would cough so hard you didn’t know if they’d take another breath.” Her belief in vaccines is rooted not just in her career, but in her own childhood. “I remember getting my sugar cube for polio at a community clinic,” she said with a smile. “After that, you just didn’t hear about polio anymore.”
Protect Yourself and Your Family Routine immunizations— are essential for lifelong health. Vaccination protects you and your community. Many vaccines, including HPV, can prevent cancers later in life. Families with no insurance may qualify for free vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program. Take Action: Make sure you and your loved ones are up to date on all recommended vaccines. It’s easy and simple, scan the QR code below to visit the Nebraska State Immunization Information System.
If you need help give Tina a call at 308-633-2866.
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