Topics: Immunization, Women’s Health
In recent years, some parents are choosing to abstain
from vaccinating their children. Many
claim that there is no need, as most of the vaccine preventable diseases are
rare or seemingly eradicated. Recent
outbreaks of these diseases, however, indicate otherwise.
Last year (2010) the U.S. witnessed an epidemic of
Pertussis (also known as Whooping Cough).
This disease, vaccine preventable, was once considered an illness of the
past. The seeming eradication of Pertussis was due to high vaccine rates across
the nation. Most recently, however,
those rates have experienced a decline. Decreased vaccine rates among children
and low rates of booster vaccination among adults is believed to be the reason
Pertussis reached such high levels last year.
So, if 2010 was the year of Pertussis, then is 2011 the
year of Measles? According to a recent outbreak alert from the CDC (U.S. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention), this seems to be the case. Through the first 5 months of 2011, the U.S.
has seen more Measles cases than it has since a peak in 1996. CDC has confirmed 118 cases of Measles, 105
of which have been imported from foreign countries by travelers to and from the
U.S. What is more alarming is that of those 105 cases, not one person was
vaccinated for Measles! The majority of
these were individuals who either personally abstained from vaccination due to
philosophical reasons, or were children whose parents claimed religious or
personal exemptions.
While there may be very sound reasons to abstain from
receiving a vaccination for yourself or your child, research indicates that
many parents choose not to vaccinate due to fear or lack of knowledge about
certain vaccines. It is very important
that each parent is well informed and educated about the purpose, safety and
importance of protecting their children and our communities against vaccine
preventable diseases. A choice to not
vaccinate affects more than just your child.
According to the CDC, the largest outbreak of Measles
this year occurred among 21 people in a small community where many children
were unvaccinated due to parental concerns about the safety of the Measles
vaccine (MMR). That outbreak resulted in
the exposure to and infection of Measles to many people who were unable to
receive a vaccine, including 7 infants too young to be vaccinated.
When it comes to vaccination, you do have a right to
choose, but you should choose wisely.
Deciding whether to vaccinate your child should be the result of
knowledge and understanding. Please,
take the time to understand the purpose, safety and importance of vaccinations,
for you and your child. The Childhood Vaccination and Talking About Adult Vaccination brochures are a
great source for basic information. The
CDC website is also a terrific resource for in depth vaccine information. Finally, your family healthcare provider will
be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have, and to help you make
an informed decision on whether to vaccinate or abstain.