After the World Health Organization labeled COVID-19 a global pandemic and schools and workplaces closed, I experienced two immediate reactions. First, I panicked and did what any single mom would do in a crisis. Second, I contacted my daughter’s pediatrician to reschedule her routine check-up.
One of those tasks was simpler than the other. I rescheduled my daughter’s appointment, mistakenly thinking that the pandemic would be resolved by late spring or early summer. It felt like an easy decision; she wasn’t due for any vaccinations, and I had no urgent concerns that required a pediatrician’s input. Waiting another few weeks seemed reasonable.
However, many parents made similar choices back in March, and numerous families have yet to resume their well visits, alarming pediatricians who worry about missed vaccinations and their potential effects on public health. Dr. Emily Carter, MD, the medical director of Community Health Initiatives, recently shared findings from a study revealing a ten percent decrease in children receiving their first MMR vaccine compared to pre-pandemic levels.
This statistic may not initially resonate, especially with the ongoing threat of a virus infecting over 200,000 individuals daily and claiming more than 3,000 lives. Yet, the reality is that measles is a deadly disease, and a ten percent decline in vaccinations can significantly impact community health. According to Dr. Carter, this reduction compromises herd immunity, making outbreaks more likely. “One case can rapidly escalate into hundreds,” she warns.
Dr. Mike Thompson, an immunology specialist, emphasizes the severity of measles’ contagiousness. “Measles spreads more easily than COVID-19, and it can survive on surfaces for hours. In a setting like a school or daycare with unvaccinated children, an outbreak can happen swiftly,” he explained.
Fortunately, if you’ve postponed your child’s vaccinations due to concerns about COVID exposure, it’s not too late to catch up. Dr. Carter reassures parents that even if their child is behind on vaccinations, catching up is possible and critical for community safety. While COVID-19 will eventually subside, a resurgence of measles could occur in a community lacking sufficient vaccination coverage.
Addressing the reasons families delayed their well visits is essential. Many, like myself, feared exposure to COVID-19 in healthcare settings. Others faced pandemic-related challenges such as job loss, making attending check-ups less of a priority, Dr. Carter noted.
To combat these issues, pediatricians and clinics nationwide have implemented safety measures. Both the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics have issued guidelines to ensure safer visits, including mask mandates, separating sick and healthy patients, and providing personal protective equipment for medical staff. Parents are encouraged to reach out to their pediatricians to discuss safety protocols, which can help ease anxieties.
For those hesitant to visit a clinic, many healthcare providers are now bringing vaccinations to communities, setting up clinics at schools, shelters, and other accessible locations. It’s worth discussing these options with your pediatrician.
While we currently rely on preventive measures like masks and social distancing for COVID-19, we have the ability to prevent measles through vaccination. “One dose of the measles vaccine can provide full protection. It’s a simple and effective way to shield your family,” Dr. Carter stated.
No one wants to deal with another virus, especially as we strive to move past COVID-19. However, maintaining herd immunity against preventable diseases like measles is crucial for community health.
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