Our Views Editorial

By Heber Taylor
The Galveston County Daily News

Published August 1, 2008

Every year, just before the children start back to school, you hear public-health officials talk about the importance of immunizations.

Some people have the idea that exposing their children to immunizations is a bad idea. Unfortunately, immunization rates in this area just aren’t as high as they should be.

To understand why those rates are so important, you have to understand the concept of “herd immunity” or “community immunity.”

To grasp it, all you have to do is imagine something that doesn’t exist — an immunization that is 100 percent effective in a population that is 100 percent immunized. In that perfect world, the infectious organism that causes a disease has nowhere to go.

Now imagine lower immunizations rates — say 80 percent. You see how infectious diseases spread. As long as there are hosts where the infectious organism can live, it spreads and lingers as a threat to public health.

In the real world, vaccines are not 100 percent effective. Even children who are immunized can be infected. Although the odds favor those who get their shots, there are no guarantees. But, when virtually everyone in a community is vaccinated, there are few places for the infectious organisms to hide.

Some of us remember the days when people formed long lines to get the polio vaccine. The fear polio once inspired is hard to imagine today.

Fear can be a powerful motivator. Virtually everyone made an effort to get vaccinated.

The lack of fear we now have of diseases such as polio and smallpox is evidence of how effective immunizations can be. But, for a vaccine to be effective in a community, that community must have high immunization rates.

In the hands of a good science teacher, the concept of herd immunity makes for an interesting lecture. But this isn’t just a story in a textbook.

Infectious organisms still cause birth defects. They still cripple and kill children.

Throughout August, you’ll see listings for vaccination drives in The Daily News.

Please do two things. Please make sure your own children and grandchildren are vaccinated. And please help spread the word that these efforts by public-health officials are important.

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WHAT: Sixth annual Kids Health Fest

WHEN: Through Aug. 27

WHERE: La Marque, 1207 Oak St. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays

WHERE: Galveston Immunization Clinic, Island Community Center, 4700 Broadway. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays

INFORMATION: 409-938-2244

www.galvnews.com

For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
409-938-2211 or 409-392-0007
kkoopman@gchd.org