Vaccinating a population is an important foundation for a nation’s disease prevention efforts. However, as parents recently have decided to forgo vaccines for their children in fear of it doing more harm than good, this preventative base can easily begin to crumble.
VOTE NOW: Should Parents Have the Freedom Not to Vaccinate Their Children?
That is what happened following the measles outbreak at Disneyland and the proposed California law requiring specific vaccination for children regardless of parental beliefs. While this has sparked controversy among parents and health professionals alike, it is important to note that many professions, schools, and institutions already require vaccination.
Currently, all states have laws requiring the vaccinations of school children with DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis), Polio, MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella), Hepatitis B, Varicella (chicken pox), and Hib (influenza type B). Many states allow exemptions for these if it conflicts with medical, religious, or philosophical beliefs of the family.
URGENT: Should the Government Be Allowed to Mandate Vaccinations?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains a recommended immunization schedule for children and adults. For those who start vaccination late, there is a special schedule to “catch-up.” Many vaccines require specific intervals between doses, the CDC reported.
The CDC table lays out specifics for the fastest way a patient can catch up on immunization. For example, DTaP requires 4 weeks between the first and second and second and third doses, and then 6 months between the third and fourth and fourth and fifth dose.
The CDC site details both a doctor-oriented and parent-friendly chart of immunization schedules, provides parents a portal to make a calendar for vaccinations, and outlines state requirements and exceptions.
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