Kids are typically very social. They hang out at their friends’ homes. They share toys, books, and food. They play team sports and they study together.
As pediatricians, we encourage socialization. However, being so social makes children more susceptible to catching a cold, coming down with the flu, or being exposed to a more serious disease. That’s why vaccinations are so important.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, immunization rates have decreased — exposing children (along with their families and their local communities) to a number of vaccine-preventable diseases.
The official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics recently published an article regarding the resurgence of measles, What’s Old Is New Again: Measles. This highly contagious respiratory viral disease is back because of decreasing vaccination rates due to vaccine hesitancy fueled by the federal government and some state governments.
In 2000, the United States declared measles “non-endemic,” which means there is no longer continuous, year-round transmission of the disease. Now, 25 years later, the disease is back in our schools and in our communities. And it’s been brought back primarily because of false statements made by people with no medical background who have decided to wage unfounded attacks against one of the greatest public health achievements in our history — immunizations.
As medical doctors, we never imagined that the science of vaccinations against preventable diseases would be attacked and discarded. Pediatricians are now watching in horror as some states consider abolishing mandated vaccines for children to attend our public schools. This is a violation of your right to send your child to school with the assurance that your child will not be exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases.
We often hear that choosing to not vaccinate your child is a personal choice. But that personal choice comes with dangerous consequences for the entire school community. When an unvaccinated child attends school or participates in team sports, that child may be exposing other students, teammates, teachers, and school staff to life-threatening diseases. That’s what happened in 2015 when Orange County experienced a measles epidemic, which was linked to one unvaccinated child who had the disease and visited Disneyland. That one child’s visit to the theme park led to 125 confirmed cases of measles throughout Orange County.
When considering sports and activities, individuals and entire teams have been sidelined due to symptoms from outbreaks of viral illnesses. There have also been unfortunate cases of previously thriving athletes suffering not just disruptions in their ability to play, but also life-altering illness-related consequences. Athletes who receive vaccines can protect themselves as well as their teammates, coaches, and staff members.
The COVID-19 vaccine rate has also decreased dramatically. We all know individuals who have been affected by deaths and the long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection. In America, more than 1.2 million lives were lost. Now that we have a life-saving vaccine available, it is imperative that we take it.
In addition to an uptick in cases of measles, the United States is also experiencing an increase in the number of cases of pertussis (whooping cough).
Fortunately, the California legislature has introduced Senate Bill 144 to ensure continued access to vaccines in our state. The bill’s language relies on expert guidance from the California Department of Public Health, which must take into consideration the recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Medicine, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — three trusted professional medical bodies that have provided guidance for decades.
In July, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released an updated policy statement in which it called for states to eliminate non-medical exemptions for student vaccinations. The AAP has also released its own evidence-based immunization schedule for children and adolescents as federal health officials continue to sow distrust in vaccines.
Note from Dr. Agran: I have witnessed the devastating effects of diseases that are now preventable. As a young intern, one of my first patients died of chicken pox because the vaccine was not yet available. I also cared for a child in an iron lung who could no longer breathe on his own due to polio. I have friends and colleagues who have died from diseases or are currently living with severe disabilities because there was no vaccine available. Those highly contagious diseases are rarely seen today thanks to life-saving vaccines.
AAP president Susan J. Kressly, M.D., FAAP recently stated: “When everyone in a school is vaccinated, it’s harder for diseases to spread, and easier for everyone to keep the fun and learning going.” We couldn’t agree more!
And when it comes to the health and safety of your child, we urge parents to get your medical advice from your family’s trusted pediatrician.
Chris Koutures, MD, FAAP grew up here in Irvine. He is a dual board-certified pediatric and sports medicine specialist who practices at ActiveKidMD in Anaheim Hills. He is a team physician for USA Volleyball (including participating in the 2008 Beijing Olympics); the U.S. Figure Skating Sports Medicine Network; Cal State Fullerton Intercollegiate Athletics; and the Chapman University Dance Department. He offers a comprehensive blend of general pediatric and sports medicine care with an individualized approach to each patient and family.
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