Immunizations protect our children from disease. Why are worldwide immunization programs important to us? Our children are vaccinated! Immunization is necessary to erase the threat of a global pandemic influenza, which could be caused by an influenza that runs rampant anywhere in the world. A pandemic, or a new strain of flu, would not be covered by our immunizations, and it would be resistant to our medications. Our local health depends on our global health. Illness is only a plane trip away. Traveling from a foreign country to the United States by an infected individual could cause an epidemic in our country. The youngest of our citizens have not yet received all of their vaccines, and are particularly susceptible.
Meningococcal is the cause of epidemic meningitis. In Africa, the disease kills thousands of people every year. Major epidemics occur about every 7-14 years. Young adults and children are the most susceptible, and usually die within two days of the onset of the symptoms. The survivors often suffer from hearing loss, a learning disability, or brain damage. In 2009, this illness killed more than 5000 Africans, and disabled over 80,000. The World Health Organization is trying to eradicate this illness in Africa.
Somalia has been free of polio since March of 2007! Volunteers and health workers vaccinated more than 1.8 million children under five. They went to houses and villages, traveling the countryside, vaccinating as many children as they could.
Polio is rampant in the Afghanistan and Pakistan areas, but is close to being controlled and eventually eradicated. The World Health Organization partnered with the governments to run a vaccination campaign, which lasted for five days, in an effort to control the Polio. Nigeria and India also have endemic polio, and are not close to eradication.
The World Health Organization is working with other governments and volunteers to eradicate many different health risks around the world. Most of the unvaccinated live in South East Asia and Africa. The America’s are not immune. Approximately 10% of the children in our country go without vaccinations. The current financial climate creates excuses for many middle class families, who cannot receive subsidized medical care. Some children are not vaccinated due to religious affiliations.
I am currently witnessing the lack of immunizations in my local area, as my daycare prepares for inspection. Some families are not having their children vaccinated, and complain that they cannot afford the vaccines. I have given each family information on low cost insurance programs and free clinics. The free clinics only serve low income, and the low cost insurance has a six month waiting list to get on. We are currently taking donations, with a vaccination drive, to anonymously assist those who cannot afford vaccines. I am also offering a reduction in daycare fees equal to the amount of the cost of the vaccine for families who are having financial issues. I feel that it is important to ensure the vaccination of every child, and that it is the responsibility of every person to assist if possible.
References:
World Health Organization. Features: immunization retrieved from
Hello Mary,
ReplyDeleteA parent who cannot afford to have their child vaccinated is sad. I understand your sympathy and that is why I donate my time at my church's clinic. We offer free services every week to anyone who walks in. We offer immunizations by appointment. Appointments are made to make sure we have an adequate supply. I believe the government should do more if it is mandatory for a child to be up to day with their immunization.
Mary,
ReplyDeleteWhat vital information you shared with us. Thank you. I guess I took for granted the fact that I was able to immunize my children. I was lucky enough to have the insurance. When we moved to England my children were immunized there as well but were put on the British schedule for immunizations which was different from our schedule. They ended up with more shots than needed in some areas and with Alex they didn't finish a schedule of shots because of his dairy allergy. They were very surprised to see that my children had been immunized for chicken pox, that is an immuniaztion they did not do over there. The parents would have "chicken pox parties", when one child got the chicken pox, they would all go hang out in the hopes that their children would pick up the virus as well, they wanted their children to get them young so they would have less complications.
I think offering a reduced tuition payment for families so they can use that money for immunizations is one of the most generous things I have ever heard. You have a huge heart Mary and the children in your care are very lucky children!
Amy
Wow! Im with Amy I took immunization for granted because I never really thought about the many children/families that lack insurance that couldn't recieve their immunization shots. Mary I hope when I open my family childcare and later my childcare center I hope to follow your example of what a provider should be... I think you are a great role model for current and future leaders!!
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