DON’T PROCRASTINATE—VACCINATE!
There are few things more heartbreaking than when your child is sick. Now, with measles in more than dozen states across the nation, it is vital to ensure your child’s immunizations are up to date. Fifty years ago measles, mumps and chicken pox were part of my growing up. These days it is easy to minimize the dangers of vaccine preventable diseases, especially since they are so rare. But the risks are still out there…
The face of measles
Between 1990 and 1991 the city of Philadelphia was in the grip of a measles epidemic. At the center of the epidemic was a religious group that refused immunizations for themselves and their children. Children with measles developed high fever; a red, raised rash that started on the face and spread to the rest of the body; and “pink eye.” For some, the disease got much worse. Seven children in the church developed a severe form of pneumonia as the measles virus infected their lungs. The lungs filled with pus — breathing became fast, labored and difficult. By the time these children were taken to the hospital, it was too late. They had died from measles. [Source: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia]
Vaccines are one of the greatest success stories in public health. The CDC estimates that vaccinations will prevent more than 21 million hospitalizations and 732,000 deaths among children born in the last 20 years.[i] NEA HIN is a staunch supporter of recommended vaccines, and we share the concerns of parents and educators about the dangers still posed by vaccine preventable diseases. We also support educational programs for students, employees, and the general public that promote awareness of serious health issues.
NEA HIN provides educators and parents free resources to help them understand the vaccinations are needed over time.
Advocacy for Vaccines: A Leadership Guide for School Nurses and Allied Health Professionals
https://www.neahin.org/educator-resources/advocacyforvaccines.html
Childhood Vaccination Brochure
https://www.neahin.org/educator-resources/childhood-vaccination.html
Talking About Pneumococcal Disease
https://www.neahin.org/educator-resources/talking-about-pneumococcal.html
Human papillomavirus Brochure
https://www.neahin.org/educator-resources/human-papillomavirus-brochure.html
Talking About Adult Vaccination Brochure
https://www.neahin.org/educator-resources/adult-vaccination.html
Talking About Shingles
https://www.neahin.org/educator-resources/talking-about-shingles.html
And don’t forget yourself! Adults also need to stay current on their vaccinations. Some vaccine preventable diseases are relatively benign in adults, but if they come in contact with a child too young to be vaccinated or someone who is immune-suppressed the consequences can be serious.
Take time to take care of yourself. Don’t procrastinate, vaccinate! And stay well.
Posted by Jim Bender
on February 5, 2015