Is Your Child At Risk?
by Shannon Osborne,RN
Eight good reasons to immunize: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio, Hepatitis B.
What do all of these diseases have in common? The first is that they are all deadly and/or debilitating. The second is that they are all totally preventable. Immunizations are an important part of routine well child care. What many people do not realize, is that these diseases are still very much alive in Hawaii and still cause permanent disabilities and death of our children. For example, mumps can lead to permanent hearing loss and sterility. A simple case of measles can lead to encephalitis--or swelling of the brain tissue. Pertussis (whooping cough) causes severe coughing that can lead to oxygen deprivation, the inability to breathe, and possibly death in an infant. Diphtheria and polio can paralyze. Tetanus causes "lockjaw" which makes one unable to open the mouth or swallow, etc., etc. Unfortunately, this subject is not a pleasant one and often a controversial one.
Health care professionals strongly recommend that all children be immunized against these diseases. As with all medications, there are risks involved. It is reassuring to know, though, that the possible side effects of receiving the immunizations are rare. Contracting the disease itself is much more dangerous. So far, in 1995 alone, there have been 65 reported cases of pertussis in Hawaii. Worldwide, there are still 1 to 2 million cases of hepatitis B per year, 4 million yearly cases of Haemophilus flu pneumonia, 600,000 cases of infant Tetanus per year, and the list goes on.
Here are some frequently asked questions:
How do immunizations protect us?
A tiny amount of the disease-causing organism is taken into the body which, in turn, stimulates us to produce antibodies. Antibodies fight against the disease when we come into contact with it.
What is the recommended schedule?
The Hawaii Immunization Program recommends the following:
INSERT IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE
Why not wait until school age to start?
These diseases are most dangerous to infants and young children. Older children need their booster shots (ages 4-6 years) to "boost" the immune system and prevent a spread to the younger ones.
Do adults and teens need immunizations?
Yes. Teens and adults should have a Tetanus every 10 years. The Hepatitis B series is strongly recommended for anyone who is sexually active or who may come into contact with any blood and body fluids from another person.
Your physician or nurse will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding immunizations. We have information about all of the vaccines at Waimanalo Health Center and encourage everyone to educate themselves about these diseases and the importance of preventing them. Your child's health is the best reason to immunize. Remember, your child is counting on you.
References: Epidemiology Branch, State of Hawaii, Dept. of Health; Harvard School of Public Health, World Health Organization, 1990.; Hawaii Immunization Program, State of Hawaii, Dept. of Health;
National Association of Children's Hospitals & Related Institutions; Report of the Committee on Infectious Disease, American Academy of Pediatrics, 1994.
Shannon Osborne, RN, is a Pediatric Nurse, Clinical Support Supervisor at the Waimanalo Health Center.