Thank You, Jenny McCarthy

Alberta Health Services today confirmed a case of measles in the Calgary-area: 

Alberta Health Services has confirmed a case of measles in the Calgary-area, and is advising of potential exposures.

 

(...)

 

There is no cure for measles, but it can be prevented with vaccination.

“This Calgary case, as well as the ongoing measles outbreak in British Columbia, are reminders of the importance of vaccination,” says Dr. Gerry Predy, AHS Medical Officer of Health. “We need to be proactive to prevent further spread and we strongly encourage parents to ensure their children are up to date with all immunizations.”

The MMR Vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, is part of the routine Childhood Immunization Program in Alberta. Children in Alberta typically receive their first dose of MMR Vaccine at 12 months of age and their second dose between the ages of four and six years. Both doses are required to be fully protected.

“Unfortunately, there are pockets of the province where Alberta reports low vaccination rates, and unvaccinated individuals in these areas are at increased risk for certain diseases, including measles,” says Dr. Predy.

 

Unfortunately, to some extent, vaccines are a victim of their own success - because diseases like measles have become rare (thanks to vaccines) there's less impetus to guard against them. These diseases can and do comeback, so we must not be complacent.

 

The other problem, of course, is the conspiracy theories about vaccines - that they're dangerous, that they cause autism, that they cause sterilization, etc... Clearly that message is part of the reason we see declining vaccination rates.

 

The science is clear about the safety and efficacy of these vaccines. These issues were explored in a fascinating recent documentary on PBS's "Frontline":

 

 

The rest here. More here, here, here, and here.

 

Also, this interesting piece from Reason TV: