Consider This from NPR Measles cases are up and childhood vaccinations are down
Sep 2, 2024
Dr. Stephen Furr, a family physician and president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, discusses the alarming resurgence of measles in the U.S., particularly in Oregon. He highlights the concerning drop in childhood vaccination rates and increased parent exemptions from school mandates. Dr. Furr emphasizes the critical role of herd immunity and shares insights on how the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routine vaccinations. The podcast also addresses the challenge of vaccine misinformation and the importance of open dialogue to enhance public trust in vaccinations.
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Measles Outbreak Reasons
- Measles cases are surging because even a small percentage of unvaccinated people can cause outbreaks due to the disease's infectiousness.
- About 95% vaccination coverage is needed for herd immunity, making even 5% unvaccinated enough for an outbreak.
Complacency About Vaccination
- Many haven't witnessed the severity of these diseases firsthand, leading to complacency about vaccination.
- Older generations, having seen diseases like polio, understand the vaccine's value better.
Dr. Furr's Vaccination Experiences
- Dr. Furr's grandmother had polio, motivating him to get vaccinated without hesitation.
- He also hasn't seen a case of Haemophilus influenza in 25 years, thanks to vaccines.