Measles Outbreak: Herd Mentality = Hard Reality

By: Anonymous on 5:43:00 PM

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Since a measles vaccination first became available in the 1960's, cases in the United States have been all but eradicated, with the number of annual cases less than 220,  and an all time low of 37 measles cases in 2004.  However the recent December 2014 Disneyland-related outbreak has shed new light on the dangers of this highly contagious, potentially fatal disease in an era when more and more parents are opting not to immunize their children.

All states have vaccination legislation in place for students and all schools grant children exemption to immunizations for medical reasons.  In addition, almost all states grant immunization exemption for religious reasons, but interestingly, according to the Immunization Action Coalition, there are 20 states which allow exemption for philosophical or personal beliefs.



The combination of medical, religion and personal belief exemptions make it easier for parents to opt out of having their children vaccinated.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Colorado, one of the states with a philosophical exemption, has the lowest childhood measles vaccination rate, with only approximately 18% of kindergartners immunized.  California, hardest hit by the recent outbreak and also a state honoring a personal belief exemption, has school systems with estimates of only 1 in 10 children immunized.  California senators Pan (D) and Allen (D) introduced a bill this week that, if passed, would eliminate the ability for parents to opt out of immunizing their children due to personal beliefs.

Whether it is due to ignorance or misinformation or blatant negligence, the harsh reality is that too many people have begun to rely on a "herd mentality".  In essence, "if everyone else's child is immunized, then I don't have to worry about my child getting sick".  This mentality should only apply to children who for medical reasons cannot be immunized.  In some regions of the U.S.,  a growing number of parents opting out of immunizing their children has ironically reversed the statistics to where the majority of children are unvaccinated and vulnerable to diseases which should rarely, if ever occur, in our society.

As pharmacists, nationally we have stepped up as adult immunizers, but can we step up again to help with informing and educating on childhood immunizations?  Can we change misperceptions and transform behavior?  How do we take a proactive role in helping prevent the next outbreak or stem the spread of one?