In recent years, some parents are choosing to abstainfrom vaccinating their children. Manyclaim that there is no need, as most of the vaccine preventable diseases arerare or seemingly eradicated. Recentoutbreaks of these diseases, however, indicate otherwise.
Last year (2010) the U.S. witnessed an epidemic ofPertussis (also known as Whooping Cough). This disease, vaccine preventable, was once considered an illness of thepast. The seeming eradication of Pertussis was due to high vaccine rates acrossthe nation. Most recently, however,those rates have experienced a decline. Decreased vaccine rates among childrenand low rates of booster vaccination among adults is believed to be the reasonPertussis reached such high levels last year.
So, if 2010 was the year of Pertussis, then is 2011 theyear of Measles? According to a recent outbreak alert from the CDC (U.S. Centersfor 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, 105of which have been imported from foreign countries by travelers to and from theU.S. What is more alarming is that of those 105 cases, not one person wasvaccinated for Measles! The majority ofthese were individuals who either personally abstained from vaccination due tophilosophical reasons, or were children whose parents claimed religious orpersonal exemptions.
While there may be very sound reasons to abstain fromreceiving a vaccination for yourself or your child, research indicates thatmany parents choose not to vaccinate due to fear or lack of knowledge aboutcertain vaccines. It is very importantthat each parent is well informed and educated about the purpose, safety andimportance of protecting their children and our communities against vaccinepreventable diseases. A choice to notvaccinate affects more than just your child.
According to the CDC, the largest outbreak of Measlesthis year occurred among 21 people in a small community where many childrenwere unvaccinated due to parental concerns about the safety of the Measlesvaccine (MMR). That outbreak resulted inthe exposure to and infection of Measles to many people who were unable toreceive a vaccine, including 7 infants too young to be vaccinated.
When it comes to vaccination, you do have a right tochoose, but you should choose wisely. Deciding whether to vaccinate your child should be the result ofknowledge 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 agreat source for basic information. TheCDC website is also a terrific resource for in depth vaccine information. Finally, your family healthcare provider willbe able to answer any questions or concerns you may have, and to help you makean informed decision on whether to vaccinate or abstain.