Time to reevaluate approach to childhood vaccinations
In an era where scientific advancements have transformed health care and eradicated once-deadly diseases, the resurfacing of vaccine-preventable illnesses raises alarming concerns about public health. As we witness statewide outbreaks in cases of the once-eradicated measles, we must reevaluate our approach toward childhood vaccinations.
According to the World Health Organization, childhood vaccines continue to be the most effective public health intervention in human history, saving between 3.5 million to 5 million lives each year. Vaccines, through their ability to stimulate the immune system, have prevented the spread of infectious diseases. Despite the proven success of vaccines, a growing number of parents are choosing not to vaccinate their children.
Measles, a highly contagious and potentially deadly viral infection, serves as an upsetting reminder of the consequences of vaccine hesitancy. Declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, measles has made a comeback in recent years.
The reasons include skepticism about vaccine safety, the spread of misinformation via social media and the blissful dissociative reality of forgetting how contagious and deadly measles is to human beings.
Mandating childhood vaccines is not a novel concept. In fact, the United States already requires vaccinations including polio, mumps, rubella and diphtheria as a prerequisite for school entry. Exemptions for religious or philosophical reasons in some states have created pockets of vulnerability.
The economic and educational burden of preventable diseases caused by outbreaks, as we have all learned firsthand, is overwhelming. Our already damaged education system saw even harsher setbacks from COVID-19, and those problems will become exponentially worse should vaccines be withheld from children. Disease outbreaks disrupt school routines, leading to missed days and causing educational and developmental delays. With vaccine mandates, we can create a more stable learning environment, promote academic success and ensure that our future leaders can succeed.
Critics argue that mandating vaccines dismisses personal autonomy and parental rights. The reality is that there is a price for freedom, and public health must take priority. The government already places restrictions on individual freedoms, like seat belt laws or the cessation of smoking in public places. Similarly, a parent has the freedom to home-school their child should they choose to not vaccinate their child.
Mandating childhood vaccines is a necessary step toward safeguarding the well-being of our communities. The term “herd immunity” has become a household phrase due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect those who cannot be vaccinated. By ensuring widespread immunity, we create a shield that prevents the spread of infectious diseases and protects the most vulnerable members of our society.
To address these lapses in immunity, we need to address the root cause of vaccine hesitancy. Misinformation, propagated through various channels, has played a significant role in causing public mistrust in vaccines. Comprehensive, evidenced-based, and collaborative public health campaigns; education; and transparent communication from healthcare professionals are essential to counteract myths and provide accurate information about vaccine safety and efficacy. Mandating vaccines should also be accompanied by efforts to improve access to vaccination services. Lack of health care access can contribute to lower vaccination rates in underserved communities. In Connecticut, Chapter 169 Section 10-204a notes that any parent or guardian unable to provide a required vaccination due to cost will be paid for by the town. By addressing these disparities, we can ensure that all children, regardless of their socio-economic background, have equal access to better health outcomes.
In conclusion, the reappearance of measles and the trend toward vaccine hesitancy demands a motivated response. Mandating childhood vaccines is not only a practical solution to protect the health of our children but also an investment in the well-being, productivity and stability of our society. It is time to prioritize the health of our communities and safeguard our future through the power of mandatory childhood vaccinations.
Is it time to amend Chapter 169 sec. 10-204a and mandate childhood vaccines? What you can do to make a statement on this public health matter: If you are a parent looking for a CT vaccine provider, please visit www.datawrapper.de/_/r0oux/ or call 860-509-7929. If you feel motivated about mandating vaccines, join the CT Immunization Coalition, which is dedicated to promoting vaccinations through the community. As always, you can contact your local health representatives or the state Department of Public Health to express your concerns.
Peyton Teske is a lifelong Connecticut native and has been a registered nurse since 2020. She is currently in the AGACNP program at Uconn.