Why immunizations are important
The CDC reports that
Measles is not something that
garnered much attention outside the
the majority of people
medical community in recent decades.
However, in 2019 a series of
who got measles in 2019
measles outbreaks put the spotlight
back on this highly contagious infectious
were unvaccinated.
disease.
According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, between
January 1, 2019, and May 31,
2019, 981 individual cases of measles
had been confirmed in 26 states in
the United States. That marked the
greatest numbers of measles cases reported
in the U.S. since 1992. And the
U.S. is not the only country in North
America facing a measles problem,
as the Public Health Agency of Canada
reported that, as of mid-May, 54
cases of measles had been reported
in the country in 2019. Perhaps most
surprising, measles was declared
eliminated in 2001, leading many to
wonder what’s behind the sudden
outbreaks so long after the disease
had seemingly vanished.
The CDC reports that the majority
of people who got measles in 2019
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, AUGUST 3 40 0-SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 BTR
were unvaccinated. While measles
was declared eliminated nearly 20
years ago in the United States, the
CDC notes it’s still common in many
parts of the world. When unvaccinated
travelers visit countries where
measles is still common, they can
bring the disease with them, ultimately
allowing it to spread in communities
where large groups of people
are unvaccinated.
Regardless of why people choose
to avoid vaccinations, it’s important
to note some of the reasons why
health organizations like the CDC
and the World Health Organization
urge all children and adults to be immunized.
• Immunizations save lives. The
CDC notes that advancements in
medical science have made it possible
for humans to protect themselves
against more diseases than ever before.
Once-fatal diseases have now
been eliminated thanks to safe and
effective vaccines.
• Immunizations protect loved
ones. Some people cannot receive
certain immunizations due to allergies,
illness, weakened immune systems,
or other factors. Such individuals
are vulnerable to disease, and
especially vulnerable if their loved
ones who can be vaccinated do not
receive their recommended immunizations.
• Immunizations save money. The
human toll of failing to be immunized
can be fatal, and the financial toll can
be heavy, too. Children with vaccinepreventable
diseases may not be allowed
to enroll in certain schools or
daycare facilities, forcing parents to
make decisions that can affect their
ability to earn a living. In addition,
medical bills that result from longterm
illnesses can be substantial.
The majority of health insurance
plans cover vaccines for adults and
children at little or no cost, and even
uninsured families can receive free
or inexpensive vaccines through certain
government programs.
Immunizations take only a few
seconds to receive but can have a positive
effect that lasts a lifetime.