As the new school year approaches, public health officials are sounding the alarm about the importance of critical vaccines. With highly contagious infections circulating, it is crucial for children to receive the necessary vaccinations to lower their risk of contracting these illnesses.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is one of the infections that can be contracted.
According to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, there has been a recent surge in cases of pertussis. Since the beginning of 2024, public health officials in the state have confirmed 130 cases of the disease. This increase in cases is concerning, as it marks the highest infection rate seen in Kentucky since 2016 and 2017, when 463 and 449 cases were reported, respectively.
Newborn babies are at a high risk of contracting the disease, making it crucial for parents and caregivers to strongly consider administering the vaccine.
Ohio’s Department of Health issued a second warning regarding vaccines in general.
According to Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Health, the CDC has recently issued a call to action, revealing that data indicates a significant decline in vaccination rates for kindergarteners across the country, reaching their lowest level in decades.
As we prepare our children to head back to school, it’s crucial to remember the significance of vaccines in maintaining their well-being. Public health providers emphasize that vaccines are necessary to prevent common illnesses that can lead to severe sickness in children.
Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, believes that vaccines have become a victim of their own success. He explains that people are no longer afraid of diseases such as measles, which is a perfect example of this phenomenon. Unfortunately, recent events in Ohio have shown that this virus, which was eliminated by the year 2000, can still pose a serious threat.
Measles has made a comeback and is currently the most contagious infection. Fortunately, it is easily preventable through vaccination.
Patients can receive guidance on which vaccines they may currently require from a pediatrician or family doctor.
