The ads recall a time when many children were crippled or killed by contagious diseases.  Grandparents hold their own young grandchildren, while talking about members of their own families who died or were crippled by illnesses that nowadays we rarely experience.  Vaccinations that we routinely administer to our patients are highly effective at keeping children safe from these dangerous diseases.

To view these ads, click here.

–  Dr. Epstein

Routine vaccination prevents illness.  Another recent study has confirmed the value of these shots.  In the June 2009 issue of Pediatrics, doctors in Denver, Colorado investigated 156 cases of clinically proven whooping cough (Pertussis) in children, ages 2 months to 18 years.  When compared with kids who received the standard immunization schedule, children of “refusers” were much more likely to get sick from whooping cough – 20 times more common!

This study demonstrates two things.  First, vaccines prevent illness (not surprisingly).  Second, these kids didn’t get much protection from “herd immunity.”  They weren’t protected by the fact that other kids in their community had been immunized.

Bottom line: don’t delay!  Get your kids vaccinated according to the recommended schedule.  If you have questions, I’d be happy to discuss them with you.

–  Dr. Epstein

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/123/6/1446