Vaccinations – What a Catch 22!

First, let me say that my children have gotten all their vaccinations as recommended by their pediatrician. I don’t even know that anyone suspected there was a link between autism and vaccinations when my kids were babies. I am kind of glad because I wouldn’t want to make the decision on whether or not to vaccinate. It was just sort of a given that they would get all their shots, as I figured the pediatrician must know best. (I wasn’t used to questioning authority yet…)

Now, many people either delay or refuse vaccinations altogether, often times because of the concern about autism.. It is a very personal decision. However, that decision is starting to have consequences, as Whooping Cough (Pertussis) is making a comeback in the U.S. As a matter of fact, 10 infants have died from Whooping Cough in California so far this year, and almost 6,000 cases have been reported in the state since January. California is not the only state that is seeing a rise in Pertussis, states all over the country are showing an increase.

However, it isn’t just the refusal of vaccinations that is causing the illness. It is estimated that 50 percent of Pertussis cases are transmitted from parent/caregiver to child. This is because the first Pertussis vaccination is not given until a baby is 2 months old. If a parent has whooping cough, it will be very easy to transmit the disease to a newborn who has not been vaccinated yet. Even if you or your child were already immunized against whooping cough in the past, you may not be immune anymore. Studies have shown that immunity only lasts about 5 years. Also, whooping cough can be harder to diagnose in teens and adults because only small children get that horrible whooping sound when they cough. Therefore, a teen or adult may not even realize they have whooping cough, and may be transmitting the disease.

I recognize that there are risks with vaccinations, and parents have to decide what is best. However, there is also a risk that your child may catch something really bad if they do not get vaccinated. It is a tough decision. If you don’t mind immunizations, check with your doctor to see if you need a pertussis booster. I recently needed a Tetanus shot, and the whooping cough vaccine was already combined with the Tetanus booster (the two shots combined is called the Tdap vaccine). I know some people do not like the combined shots, but I was fine with it.

So, next time you are at the doctor, think about asking your doctor if you need the Pertussis or Tdap vaccine!