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I should have been more clear, because that's the point I meant to make. These infants might have been (probably were) infected by older children who did not receive the vaccine. Even if the babies had received their first dose, they were still vulnerable. It's really important for everybody to be vaccinated against this easily prevented disease.
Oops. Thanks for clarifying. Your first post sounded like you were saying that the babies would have died regardless.
It's important to note that all of the deaths were in infants under the age of 3 months. In California, children are given four (or five doses), beginning at two months of age. Even if the infants received their initial doses, they would not have had complete immunity. Please, please, people, get the vaccine!
Exactly, this is where herd immunity comes into effect!
Exactly, this is where herd immunity comes into effect!
Many people misunderstand what the term herd immunity means.
Herd immunity doesn't immunize all of the herd. Herd immunity only immunizes part of the herd to cause a break in the chain and reduce, not eliminate, the spread of illness.
I'm sure you're aware of this, but I think people who chose to not vaccinate their children rely on the herd immunity theory.
As a result, herd immunity isn't a very good argument to encourage anti-vaccination population to vaccinate. It provides them with an excuse to not vaccinate.
Many people misunderstand what the term herd immunity means.
Herd immunity doesn't immunize all of the herd. Herd immunity only immunizes part of the herd to cause a break in the chain and reduce, not eliminate, the spread of illness.
I'm sure you're aware of this, but I think people who chose to not vaccinate their children rely on the herd immunity theory.
As a result, herd immunity isn't a very good argument to encourage anti-vaccination population to vaccinate. It provides them with an excuse to not vaccinate.
Yep, I know. I was meaning to indicate that herd immunity could have helped prevent the deaths of these infants. Obviously they were too young to be immunized, but if the rest of the 'herd' was, they would have had less chance to contact a carrier.
Adults likely need the DtaP booster. Or TdaP. Whichever it is called now. Or at least a titer, but boosters are faster and easier from a public health standpoint.
Our county health dept is offering free TdaP vaccine to everyone age 19-64 who lives with an infant or cares for one. This is an important part of the chain of protection.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mercury Cougar
Yep, I know. I was meaning to indicate that herd immunity could have helped prevent the deaths of these infants. Obviously they were too young to be immunized, but if the rest of the 'herd' was, they would have had less chance to contact a carrier.
Yes, that's correct. The "herd" (now being called "community immunity" by some) has to have ~ 90% immunization rate to protect the vulnerable.
Our county health dept is offering free TdaP vaccine to everyone age 19-64 who lives with an infant or cares for one. This is an important part of the chain of protection.
That is good news. I was thinking with the rollout of flu season 2010-11 and the shots starting to be offered it would be a good opportunity to do a TdaP campaign as well, but I am not sure how feasible it would be.
Our county health dept is offering free TdaP vaccine to everyone age 19-64 who lives with an infant or cares for one. This is an important part of the chain of protection.
Oh, now there's a social program I could approve of!
That is good news. I was thinking with the rollout of flu season 2010-11 and the shots starting to be offered it would be a good opportunity to do a TdaP campaign as well, but I am not sure how feasible it would be.
It would be a great idea. I'd suggest "vetting" it to your local health department. They already bundle flu and pneumonia shots.
Do any of you think that there is a possibility that a lot of the diseases are starting to get immune to our vaccinations? And since we over vaccinate and over sanitize that we aren't even allowing our bodies to build immunities against viruses and disease?
I am not talking specifically about whopping cough (although just maybe whopping cough could be returning because the vaccination no longer works as well as it did against the virus)
Do any of you think that there is a possibility that a lot of the diseases are starting to get immune to our vaccinations? And since we over vaccinate and over sanitize that we aren't even allowing our bodies to build immunities against viruses and disease?
I am not talking specifically about whopping cough (although just maybe whopping cough could be returning because the vaccination no longer works as well as it did against the virus)
Just something to think about....
No.
Whooping cough is returning b/c people don't immunize. Period. You still get antibodies, which are proof of immunity, when you immunize. It's not caused by a virus, BTW
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