Health officials have declared a whooping cough epidemic in New Zealand, with 263 cases reported in the past month—the highest monthly total of 2024. Babies are at greatest risk of severe illness or death from this highly contagious infection. The epidemic’s severity is attributed to lower infection rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, disproportionately impacting Māori and Pacific infants. Authorities emphasize the importance of timely infant vaccinations and maternal vaccination during pregnancy to mitigate the risk.
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The potential for vaccine bans, spurred by recent political rhetoric, presents a serious challenge to public health preparedness. With limited time and resources, it’s unlikely states and localities can mount robust vaccination campaigns to address potential vaccine shortages. However, emphasizing communication about vaccine importance and ensuring timely disbursement of federal funds to state and local health departments are crucial steps to mitigate potential disruptions to public health infrastructure. Furthermore, given potential federal funding cuts, state and local officials may need to shoulder the burden of supporting essential public health functions, a responsibility they have not traditionally carried.
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As I read through the various accounts of people sharing their experiences with whooping cough, especially among unvaccinated teens, my heart sank. It is truly disheartening to see how a preventable disease is making a resurgence due to vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is no joke. It can lead to severe complications, such as broken ribs, pneumonia, and even death. The fact that some individuals are choosing not to vaccinate themselves or their children is not only reckless but also downright dangerous.
I cannot fathom the thought process of those who refuse to vaccinate, especially when faced with the stark reality of the consequences.… Continue reading
The Taliban have suspended polio vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan, the UN says. This piece of news really hits home for me personally. I knew a polio survivor who lived with the consequences of this devastating disease every day. The idea that preventable suffering is being allowed to persist is not only frustrating but immensely disappointing.
It’s mind-boggling to think that in this day and age, a group would actively hinder efforts to eradicate such a debilitating illness. The Taliban’s stance against vaccinations seems almost archaic, as if they are intentionally regressing back into a time when modern medical advancements were non-existent.… Continue reading
As a parent, hearing the news of a child under 5 dying of measles due to not being vaccinated is absolutely heartbreaking. It’s a reminder of the importance of vaccinations and the devastating consequences of choosing not to vaccinate. The fact that this child’s death was entirely preventable is a bitter pill to swallow. It’s infuriating to think that misinformation and conspiracy theories may have played a role in this tragedy.
The public health agency’s statement about the child not being vaccinated highlights the stark reality that vaccinations can save lives. It’s a reminder of the responsibility we have as parents to protect our children and our communities by ensuring they receive recommended vaccinations.… Continue reading
A young child in Ontario has died of measles, a completely preventable disease that should have been eradicated by now. The loss of a young life due to the negligence of parents who refused to vaccinate their child is devastating and infuriating. It is unfathomable that in this day and age, with all the advancements in modern medicine, some parents still choose to ignore science and put their children at risk.
The fact that some parents are willing to let their children die on the hill of their anti-vaccination beliefs is beyond comprehension. Vaccines have been proven time and time again to be safe and effective in preventing deadly diseases like measles.… Continue reading
The recent CDC report highlighting the threat to the US measles elimination status due to the 2024 outbreak is alarming. As someone without children but with a deep understanding of the importance of vaccinations, I find it distressing to see the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles. The fact that contracting measles can essentially reset a person’s immune system’s memory to nothing is a terrifying thought. It’s disheartening to witness decades of hard work by medical scientists and doctors being undone by misinformation and fearmongering.
The rise in measles cases is, unfortunately, preventable, yet the anti-vaxxers continue to refuse vaccinations due to baseless conspiracy theories like microchips or dangerous chemicals being present in vaccines.… Continue reading
Measles spreading to at least three other states after trips to Florida is a grim reminder of the potential consequences of anti-vaccination sentiments. The recent outbreaks are not just about a lack of individual immunity but also highlight the collective vulnerability when a significant portion of the population fails to get vaccinated. It is troubling to see how easily decades of progress in eradicating diseases can be undone by a few individuals shunning vaccines based on unfounded beliefs.
The case of a 9-year-old child in Broward County who contracted measles due to a religious exemption from vaccination is particularly concerning. Religious exemptions, much like other dubious excuses for avoiding vaccines, only serve to put not just the individual, but the entire community at risk.… Continue reading
As the World Health Organization (WHO) warns of potential measles outbreaks in a large part of the world following the disruption in vaccination programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is disheartening to see preventable diseases making a comeback. The rise in measles cases can be directly attributed to the growing anti-vaccination movement, which is fueled by misinformation and fear rather than scientific evidence.
Vaccines have long been hailed as one of the greatest achievements in modern medicine, effectively eradicating deadly diseases and saving countless lives. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, introduced in 1971, has been proven safe and effective over the years.… Continue reading
Living in Florida during a measles outbreak, I find myself deeply troubled by the recent decision of state officials to defy the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by informing parents that it is perfectly fine to send unvaccinated children to school. Measles, a highly contagious and dangerous disease, poses a significant risk to young children and pregnant women who are unvaccinated. The negligence of the Florida GOP in addressing this issue is simply alarming.
As a parent, I cannot fathom the idea of willingly putting my child’s health at risk by allowing them to be exposed to a preventable disease like measles.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker