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Vaccines and Risks

There are risks to not vaccinating a child. Too bad many people don't understand the risks these outbreaks pose, even to vaccinated children.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/01/23/hib.vaccine.cdc/?iref=mpstoryview

(CNN) -- A childhood illness that has mostly been curbed through vaccinations has killed one child and sickened four others in Minnesota, health officials said Friday.

The five children were infected with a bacterial infection known as Hib: Haemophilus influenzae type b.

Three of the affected children had not received any vaccinations, including the 7-month-old who died, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

One of the infected children, a 5-month old, had not completed the three-dose series of the vaccination, and a 15-month old child had received all doses but had an immune deficiency.

Authorities recommend that those younger than 2 years be vaccinated against 14 diseases, including Hib.

I wish people understood that choices are being made that will have serious consequences. Unfortunately, scientists have also done a lousy job communicating with parents as equals -- treating parents with disdain, at times, or at least condescension.

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