It's sort of weird, but getting shots occupies a very real space in my memories of childhood. Like lining up in the school cafeteria and going behind a big green screen to get my first polio shot. Or the fact that my older brother typically hid behind some piece of furniture in the doctor's office when his turn came for a shot.
But my brother and I never really questioned why we were getting the shots and our mother certainly didn't--in part, because it was obvious to us so many of those diseases--smallpox, polio, measles, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis--were becoming very rare in the U.S., thanks to vaccines.
Yet, with some children not getting their vaccines on time or at all, we're now seeing more of the same diseases I thought were left behind in my childhood. Measles cases are at a ten year high, pertussis (whooping cough) is no longer uncommon and even Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) has claimed the lives of children in recent months.
Now, as head of policy and advocacy for GSK's vaccine division, I look at vaccines in the much broader context of public health. Unlike prescription drugs, which treat the individual, vaccines can help protect many others in the community from some diseases. When you vaccinate your child, you also may be helping to protect other children in some situations. Unfortunately, I feel that the understanding of the value of on-time vaccination has been lost, simply because as communities, we no longer feel the threat of some pretty awful diseases.
That's why it concerns me that misinformation is floating around about the value and safety of childhood vaccines. In addition to my position at GSK, I am a mother myself--and now a grandmother. I have the highest regard for any parent's concerns about a child's health and welfare. It's just that when it comes to vaccines, parents may not be aware of the decades of scientific and clinical research and practice on all aspects of vaccines.
My simple request is that before making a decision about your own child, please talk with your child's doctor--and take the time to inform yourself through some reputable Web sites like:
http://www.vaccinateyourbaby.org/
http://www.whattoexpect.org/news/immunizations
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/default.htm
http://www.cispimmunize.org/pro/pdf/Vaccineschedule.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/basic/safety.htm
http://www.chop.edu/consumer/jsp/division/generic.jsp?id=81901
(Photo courtesy of University of Mary Washington).
Being the father of three children, I've experienced the fear and outrage each time I discover that sick children are being allowed to attend my children's school. My fear is only marginally reduced when I learn the illnesses are minor, but they could just as easily be much more serious. Having worked closely with clients to promote childhood vaccines over the past two years, I have seen and heard many arguments for and against vaccines. I have also heard the reports you mention regarding the rise of diseases not seen for years, and I believe it's even more important than ever to promote the dialog you're promoting. I'd like to learn more about how GSK is promoting vaccines, and how we can work together to get the message out. My e-mail is jeffc@televox.com, and I'd be happy to discuss at your convenience.
It ticks me off when people use distortions of fact and science to convince parents not to vaccinate their kids. There are all manner of ridiculous conspiracy theories they could be pursuing, if they're of that bent - at least the claims of Moon landing deniers and creationists don't end up harming children!