Conroy: Vaccinations important to public health

By State Rep. Theresa Conroy

Theresa Conroy 

In 2000 The U.S. government declared that measles was eliminated in the United States.

How did we do it? With a strong public health effort and a very effective vaccine.

But there has been some backsliding. From 2008 to 2014, there were more reported measles cases compared with previous years. 

CDC experts attribute this to:

· More measles cases than usual in some countries to which Americans often travel (such as England, France, Germany, India, the Philippines and Vietnam), and therefore more measles cases coming into the U.S.
· More spreading of measles in U.S. communities with pockets of unvaccinated people

Vaccinating children for measles is important – for their health – and the health of our community.
Today's childhood vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including polio, measles, whooping cough, and chickenpox.

Most preventable diseases are caused by viruses or bacteria. Vaccines help your body recognize and fight these germs and build immunity. When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk and can spread diseases to others in their family and community – including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer and other health conditions.

Cost should not be a factor - the Department of Public Health operates the Connecticut Vaccine Program (CVP), which provides most routine childhood vaccinations at no cost.

You can find out more about the recommended immunization schedule at www.ct.gov/dph orwww.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents or call the Connecticut Immunization Program at 860-509-7929 at the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Conroy represents Seymour, Beacon Falls, and Derby. She is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. This is a press release from her office.