New Richmond, WI — As St. Croix County Public Health and St. Croix Valley Immunization Coalition recognizes National Infant Immunization Week (April 27-May 4th), they would like to remind everyone of the importance and safety of immunizations.
One of the essential services of Public Health departments is prevention of communicable diseases including vaccine preventable diseases. Serious diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, small pox and whooping cough were all common until vaccines were developed.
There are still outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases across the globe in areas where vaccine is not available or as a result of parents choosing not to vaccinate their children. Currently the United States is experiencing an outbreak of measles in twenty-two states with six hundred twenty three cases since January 1st 2019. The majority of the cases in this outbreak are children who have not received the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
St. Croix County Public Health Nurse, Sue Lindberg said: “As a society it seems we have forgotten how easily these diseases can be spread and how they can cause lifelong disability or death. The measles outbreak is growing weekly and we need to take vaccination seriously. “
Lindberg adds: “There is a lot of misinformation on social media about vaccine and vaccine safety. Many studies have proven the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine does not cause autism, is very safe, and is an effective vaccine.” For questions about vaccines or vaccine safety speak with your medical provider, St. Croix County Public Health (715.246.8330) or visit www.cdc.gov for more information.
These diseases could be a plane ride or visitor away from your household or community. The days of the iron lung machine for polio are gone but the polio disease is not. Measles can still cause birth defects and death. Haemophilus Influenza type B can lead to permanent brain damage. Contact your health care provider to schedule your vaccines or call St. Croix County Public Health at 715-246-8330.
