newYou can now listen to Fox News articles.
As a physician, I am deeply concerned by the resurgence of measles in the United States. Once thought to be eradicated in the country, measles has made a surprising resurgence in recent years, most recently in crowded migrant shelters in Chicago and other small parts of the country. There is no doubt that the rise in cases is being fueled by a combination of factors, from vaccine hesitancy to low vaccination rates in groups of people.
As a physician and mother of young children, my perspective on this issue is two-pronged, combining medical expertise and maternal instincts.
From a medical perspective, the measles resurgence highlights the critical importance of vaccination to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Measles is highly contagious and the virus can survive in the air and on surfaces for several hours, making containment efforts difficult.
CDC sends response team to Chicago migrant shelter amid measles outbreak
As a physician, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of measles. Measles complications can range from mild, such as ear infections, to severe, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death.
Infectious diseases can spread more easily when people are crowded together. This is especially problematic for undervaccinated groups like immigrants. FILE: Immigrants flood into Eagle Pass, Texas, awaiting processing in December 2023. (Fox News)
Young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to complications from measles, making widespread vaccination important to protect vulnerable populations.
High vaccination rates have successfully eliminated measles in many parts of the world. Through widespread vaccination campaigns and strong health infrastructure, immunization rates have reached levels where the virus struggles to find susceptible hosts.
This herd immunity, often referred to as herd immunity, provided protection not only to those who were vaccinated but also to those who could not receive the vaccine for medical and religious reasons. However, the recent resurgence of measles may be a direct result of lower vaccination rates.
Unfortunately, the continued universal push for a COVID-19 vaccine has exacerbated many people’s underlying vaccine hesitancy. Before the pandemic, vaccination rates were stagnant, but recent studies show further declines in 2020 and 2021 compared to 2019, with some vaccines and subpopulations disproportionately affected. It is shown that there is.
Understanding parental vaccine hesitancy and fear is essential to fostering open dialogue about vaccines. As a mother of three children, I have similar concerns. Many parents grapple with concerns about safety and effectiveness, driven by historical mistrust and personal experience. These anxieties may stem from a desire to protect the child and uncertainty about potential side effects.
It is important to consider when considering vaccines that while some vaccines serve the important purpose of preventing the spread of deadly viruses, other vaccines should be risk-based rather than universal. We emphasize the following approach.
Vaccines against highly contagious and potentially deadly diseases such as measles and polio play a critical role in protecting both individuals and communities from epidemics. These vaccines are designed to create herd immunity, reduce the spread of disease, and protect vulnerable populations. However, for certain vaccinations targeting less severe diseases or diseases with low transmissibility, a risk-based strategy may be more appropriate.
Unfortunately, the CDC got this wrong during the coronavirus pandemic, not changing its recommendations even after it became clear that most children and young people were at low risk for severe outcomes. In my opinion, this has been the single most influential cause of vaccine hesitancy throughout my life.
High vaccination rates have successfully eliminated measles in many parts of the world. Through widespread vaccination campaigns and strong health infrastructure, immunization rates have reached levels where the virus struggles to find susceptible hosts.
By assessing individual risk factors and considering factors such as age, occupation, and travel habits, vaccination recommendations can be tailored to maximize benefits while minimizing unnecessary risks. This balanced approach recognizes the importance of vaccination in disease prevention while recognizing the need for individualized medical decisions.
For more FOX News opinions, click here
Addressing disparities in access to health care and vaccination is another critical step toward achieving widespread immunity against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Migrant shelters and other vulnerable communities that have limited access to health services or face socio-economic barriers may be disproportionately affected by measles outbreaks.
Small vaccinated populations in small spaces with limited access to health care and inadequate sanitation facilitate the spread of infectious diseases. Migrant facilities are often hotbeds for the spread of infectious diseases, posing risks not only to migrants but also to surrounding communities.
The CDC’s fixation on coronavirus vaccinations has also hurt support for other vaccines. (St. Petersburg)
The resurgence of measles in the United States is another reminder of the importance of protecting public health. As a physician, I encourage parents to consider certain vaccinations for their children, recognizing the significant benefits in preventing serious illness and protecting vulnerable populations.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
As a mother, I empathize with parents’ concerns about vaccines and their frustration knowing that herd immunity against measles is waning.
There are limits to what each family can do. If governments continue to gather migrants into crowded spaces, government intervention and policy changes are essential to effectively address and reduce the spread of disease to protect the health of these vulnerable populations as well as the public. It is.
Click here to read more about Dr.Nicole Safia
