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Risk of Infection on the Rise as Vaccine Hesitancy Increases

Recently, the country has seen a significant public health concern emerge from a steady increase in vaccine hesitancy. While this has broader implications, there is also a substantial risk to the younger generation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports declining immunization rates for crucial vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), and polio. Current vaccination levels have fallen below those of the 2011–2012 school year, leaving nearly 250,000 children unprotected against measles and other infectious diseases.

Not too long ago, diseases such as measles were nearly eradicated in the United States. The introduction of the measles vaccine in the 1960s led to a 99% reduction in cases. However, vaccine hesitancy has caused a resurgence of outbreaks. This year alone, there have been 13 measles outbreaks across 24 jurisdictions, with a majority being children. Around 84% of these cases involve individuals whose vaccination status is either unvaccinated or unknown.

Implications of This Threat

It’s not just the U.S. experiencing an increase in vaccine hesitation. Globally, outbreaks of other vaccine-preventable diseases like polio and cholera are rising. These diseases don’t get stopped at the border and can quickly spread to other countries. If vaccination rates continue to decline, the relatively small number of current cases could escalate to tens or hundreds of thousands of infections.

To protect yourself and your family, ensure you are vaccinated against measles for at least two weeks before traveling internationally. Measles is highly contagious and can spread through coughing and sneezing. Contact your doctor immediately if you have been exposed to measles. Unvaccinated individuals, particularly those travelling to regions with ongoing measles outbreaks, are at higher risk. After returning from international travel, monitor your health for three weeks and report any symptoms, such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or rash, to your doctor.

The Safety of Vaccines

Vaccines have a strong safety record, backed by rigorous studies and double-blind tests. The MMR vaccine provides 97% protection with two doses and 93% with one dose. Infants and children should follow a specific vaccination schedule, while teens and adults without immunity should receive two doses 28 days apart. Contrary to misinformation, most vaccine side effects, such as a low-grade fever, are mild and temporary. The proven effectiveness and safety of vaccines have a long history of combating both established and emerging infectious diseases.

Once vaccinated, the body has a layer of protection that extends to those around you. A single unvaccinated person can trigger severe illness within entire communities, leading to preventable loss of life, especially among vulnerable populations like children, grandparents, frontline workers, and immunocompromised individuals.

Making an Informed Decision

Families can make informed decisions about their children’s health based on reliable information from trusted sources, starting with their physician. Compromising public health has a far-reaching impact on the well-being of communities, especially today with the growing threats from vaccine-preventable diseases.

All of us must take action, such as researching and combatting misinformation, getting vaccinated, and encouraging our loved ones to do the same. The decline in vaccination rates is a wake-up call. By understanding the historical success, global implications, safety, and community protection provided by vaccines, we can work together to reverse this trend.

Sources:

CDC: Vaccination Trends — Children

CDC: Measles Cases and Outbreaks

CDC: Vaccine Telebreifing

WHO: Immunization Coverage

Increase in Pertussis Cases: Trends and Prevention Strategies in the U.S.

Over the past few years, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the transmission rates of various infectious diseases, including pertussis (commonly known as whooping cough). However, recent data indicates that the United States is seeing a return to pre-pandemic pertussis infection patterns, with more than 10,000 cases typically reported each year.

Current Statistics

The number of reported pertussis cases across the country has increased in 2024. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), preliminary data shows that more than three times as many cases were reported on June 24, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. The current figures align with the numbers recorded in 2019, before the pandemic.

An area in Tennessee that has seen a significant increase in pertussis cases is Knox County. According to the Knox County Health Department, they are seeing numbers more than five times higher than usual, with nearly all the current cases involving unvaccinated children.

Symptoms in Children

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by severe coughing fits that can last for weeks. The symptom most recognized is the “whooping” sound made when a child breathes in after coughing. Other symptoms include:

● Severe coughing fits that can result in vomiting

● Difficulty breathing, especially in infants

● Runny nose and mild fever in the early stages

The disease spreads through close contact, making it particularly common in settings where children are in close proximity, such as schools and daycare centers.

Vaccination

Vaccination is the best way to fight infections, especially for children building their immune systems. According to the CDC, unvaccinated children are eight times more likely to contract pertussis than vaccinated children. The DTaP vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) is recommended for infants and young children, with booster shots later in childhood. Despite the effectiveness of the vaccine, immunity can fade over time.

Protecting Your Children

  1. Ensure Vaccinations are Up to Date: Ensure your child is vaccinated according to the recommended schedule. This includes getting booster shots as needed.
  2. Watch for Symptoms: Watch for signs of pertussis, especially the distinctive coughing fits and whooping sound. Early diagnosis can help manage the disease more effectively.
  3. Practice Good Hygiene: Teach children to wash their hands regularly and cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing to reduce the spread of germs.
  4. Keep Sick Children Home: If your child shows symptoms of pertussis or any other contagious illness, keep them home from school or daycare to prevent spreading it to others.

Moving Forward

Parents must understand the signs to protect their children as pertussis cases rise. Vaccination remains the best route to fight against pertussis, helping not only your child but also vulnerable infants and others they come in contact with.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s vaccinations or health, ensure you contact your healthcare provider to get the answers you need.

The Domino Effect of Vaccination: How Protecting Your Child Benefits the Whole Community

Having an extra layer of protection is always a good idea. Some people might wear only a helmet when riding a bike, while others may add shin guards for safety. Even if you are experienced, you never know when a serious fall might happen. Vaccines work similarly. You might believe exposure can help build immunity, but that’s not always true. Getting vaccinated is that extra protection that helps not only yourself but also those around you; this is called the domino effect.

Understanding the Domino Effect

This concept is straightforward when discussing vaccinations. When one person gets vaccinated, it significantly reduces the risk of contracting and spreading infectious diseases. This reduction in potential transmission means that the people around them — family, friends, and classmates — are also less likely to be exposed to these diseases. Essentially, each vaccinated individual serves as a buffer, helping to protect those who are either too young, too old, or medically unable to receive vaccines.

Herd Immunity

If you get vaccinated, your family gets vaccinated, and even your neighbor, this creates herd immunity, meaning a high percentage of the population is vaccinated, making the spread of contagious diseases from person to person unlikely. This also helps create an added layer of protection for those in your community who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns, those with certain allergies, or individuals with compromised immune systems.

When a sufficient number of people in a community are vaccinated, the overall amount of the pathogen in the community is reduced. Take a school, for example. If the majority of children are vaccinated against measles, an outbreak is less likely to occur.

Relieving Stress on Hospitals

Another critical benefit of widespread vaccination is its relief to healthcare systems, especially in critical areas such as hospitals. Infectious disease outbreaks can lead to a surge in hospital admissions overwhelming emergency rooms and intensive care units. This influx of patients strains hospital resources and affects the quality of care that all patients receive.

When vaccination rates are high, the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases decreases significantly. This reduction means fewer individuals require hospitalization for serious complications, allowing hospitals to allocate resources more effectively. By preventing outbreaks, vaccines help maintain hospitals’ capacity to manage various medical emergencies and ongoing care needs.

The Personal Benefits of Vaccination

While the community-wide benefits of vaccination are significant, the personal benefits are just as good. Vaccines are designed to provide immunity without the person suffering through the disease itself. Diseases like measles, mumps, and whooping cough can have severe, sometimes life-threatening complications, especially in young children. Vaccination helps prevent these diseases, preventing individuals and families from the associated health risks and the stress and financial burden of treatment.

The Role of Parents and Caregivers

Parents and caregivers play an essential role in the vaccination process. By ensuring that their children receive the recommended vaccines on schedule, they protect their children and contribute to the broader community’s health. Educating themselves about the benefits and safety of vaccines and discussing any concerns with healthcare providers helps parents make informed decisions that support public health.

Long-Term Health Investment

Vaccination is a long-term investment in public health. Diseases that were once common and deadly, such as polio and smallpox, have been virtually eradicated through widespread vaccination efforts. By continuing to vaccinate our children, we ensure that future generations remain protected and that these diseases do not make a comeback. By understanding the domino effect of vaccination, we can appreciate our collective responsibility for safeguarding public health.

Sources

CDC: Vaccines for Your Children

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases: 10 Reasons to Get Vaccinated

WHO: A Brief History of Vaccines

Why Back-to-School Vaccinations Are Essential for Your Child’s Health

As the new school year approaches, parents everywhere are busy with preparations. There’s a lot to do, from buying school supplies to updating wardrobes. However, one crucial task should never be overlooked amidst the hustle and bustle: back-to-school vaccinations.

Vaccinations are a cornerstone of public health and vital to keeping our children healthy. Here’s why ensuring your child is up-to-date on their vaccines before the school year begins is essential.

Protecting Against Serious Diseases

Vaccinations protect children from a variety of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and whooping cough. Though rare due to widespread vaccination efforts, these diseases can still pose significant risks if an outbreak occurs. By vaccinating your child, you are safeguarding them against these illnesses and contributing to the community’s overall health.

Creating a Safe School Environment

Schools are environments where children are in close contact with one another, making it easy for contagious diseases to spread. When a high percentage of students are vaccinated, it creates a protective barrier known as herd immunity. This protects vaccinated children and those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. Herd immunity helps prevent outbreaks and keeps the entire school community safer.

Meeting School Requirements

Most schools have vaccination requirements that must be met for children to attend. These requirements are in place to ensure a healthy learning environment for all students. By keeping your child’s vaccinations up-to-date, you’re complying with school policies and helping to maintain a healthy school community. Check with your child’s school to understand their specific vaccination requirements.

Preventing the Spread of Disease

Vaccines are not just about individual protection; they also help prevent the spread of diseases to others. This is particularly important for protecting vulnerable populations, such as infants too young to be fully vaccinated and individuals with weakened immune systems. By vaccinating your child, you’re playing a crucial role in reducing the transmission of preventable diseases.

Long-Term Health Benefits

Vaccinations provide long-term health benefits that extend well beyond childhood. Diseases that vaccines protect against can have serious complications, including chronic illnesses and disabilities. By vaccinating your child, you are reducing their risk of experiencing these complications and supporting their overall long-term health.

Expert Recommendations

Health experts and organizations worldwide, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), strongly recommend vaccinations as an effective way to prevent disease. These recommendations are based on extensive research and evidence demonstrating the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

As you prepare for the upcoming school year, ensure vaccinations are at the top of your checklist. By providing your child is up-to-date on their vaccinations, you’re protecting their health and contributing to a safer, healthier community. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider today, or be on the lookout for a Health Hero clinic at your child’s school and prioritize back-to-school vaccinations. Your child’s health — and those around them — depends on it.

The Real Cost and Consequences of Skipping Vaccinations

Vaccinations have long been heralded as one of the greatest public health achievements, effectively reducing and even eradicating life-threatening diseases. However, in recent years, vaccine hesitancy has become a growing concern. The decision to skip vaccinations can have far-reaching and severe consequences, not only for individuals but for society as a whole. Let’s delve into the real cost of skipping vaccinations and why it’s a risk you can’t afford to take.

The Immediate Health Risks

Skipping vaccinations leaves individuals vulnerable to diseases that are preventable through immunization. Diseases such as measles, mumps, and whooping cough can cause severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. Measles, for example, is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, and permanent hearing loss. By choosing not to vaccinate, individuals expose themselves and their loved ones to these significant health risks.

The Spread of Contagious Diseases

When vaccination rates drop, the risk of disease outbreaks increases. Vaccines protect the individuals who receive them and help create herd immunity, which protects those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Skipping vaccinations can lead to the resurgence of diseases once under control, putting entire communities at risk.

Economic Consequences

The economic impact of skipping vaccinations is substantial. Disease outbreaks increase healthcare costs due to hospitalizations, treatments, and long-term care for those who suffer complications. Additionally, outbreaks can result in lost productivity as sick individuals miss work or school, and businesses may face temporary closures. The financial burden on families and the healthcare system can be immense and often avoidable through timely vaccinations.

The Impact on Public Health Infrastructure

An outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease strains public health resources. Health departments must allocate significant time and money to control outbreaks, conduct contact tracing, and implement quarantine measures. This diversion of resources can affect other critical public health initiatives, compromising the overall health infrastructure and response capabilities in times of crisis.

Long-Term Health Implications

The consequences of skipping vaccinations extend beyond immediate health risks. Some vaccine-preventable diseases can lead to long-term health issues and disabilities. For instance, mumps can cause permanent hearing loss, while rubella can lead to severe birth defects if contracted by pregnant women. These long-term health complications can affect an individual’s quality of life and continuously burden healthcare systems.

Social and Psychological Impact

Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases can cause widespread fear and anxiety within communities. Parents may become anxious about sending their children to school or daycare, and individuals may avoid public places to reduce their risk of exposure. This fear and uncertainty can have a detrimental effect on community cohesion and overall well-being.

The decision to skip vaccinations carries severe consequences that go beyond personal health. It endangers the health of the broader community, places an unnecessary burden on the healthcare system, and can lead to significant economic costs. Vaccinations are a safe and effective way to protect individuals and society from preventable diseases. Ensuring you and your family are vaccinated contributes to a healthier, safer world for everyone.

Don’t let the cost of skipping vaccinations catch you off guard. Make the responsible choice and keep up with recommended immunizations to safeguard your health and the health of those around you.

Fact Check: Skipping Vaccinations Puts College Campuses at Risk for Dangerous Disease Outbreaks

Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to prevent the spreading of contagious diseases. Yet, despite their proven track record, vaccine hesitancy is on the rise, leading to increased risks for individuals and communities alike. The decision to skip vaccinations doesn’t just affect the unvaccinated person — it has far-reaching consequences that can lead to severe outbreaks of dangerous diseases, particularly on college campuses. Here are some eye-opening facts highlighting the importance of staying up-to-date with vaccinations, especially for college students.

Why College Students Need to Be Vaccinated

Colleges and universities are unique environments where students live, study, and socialize in close quarters. This proximity facilitates the rapid spread of infectious diseases, making it essential for students to be fully vaccinated. Dormitories, classrooms, and social gatherings can become hotspots for disease transmission if vaccination rates are low. College students often travel internationally, increasing the risk of encountering and spreading infectious diseases. By getting vaccinated, college students not only protect themselves but also help maintain a healthy campus environment and prevent potential outbreaks.

Fact 1: Measles Resurgence

Statistic: Measles cases increased by 556% in Europe from 2016 to 2019 due to declining vaccination rates. Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

Measles is a highly contagious virus that was once nearly eradicated in many parts of the world due to widespread vaccination efforts. However, declining vaccination rates have led to a resurgence of this dangerous disease. In Europe, measles cases skyrocketed by 556% between 2016 and 2019, demonstrating how quickly the virus can spread when vaccination coverage drops. Measles can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death, making vaccination essential for college students.

Fact 2: Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Outbreaks

Statistic: In 2012, the United States experienced the largest whooping cough outbreak in nearly 60 years, with over 48,000 cases and 20 deaths. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is another vaccine-preventable disease that has returned to areas with low vaccination rates. The 2012 outbreak in the United States saw over 48,000 reported cases and resulted in 20 deaths, primarily among infants who were too young to be fully vaccinated. On college campuses, whooping cough can spread rapidly among students, leading to severe coughing fits, pneumonia, and other complications. Ensuring that college students are vaccinated helps protect them and vulnerable populations they may come into contact with.

Fact 3: Polio Reemergence

Statistic: Polio, a disease that was nearly eradicated, has seen a resurgence in countries with low vaccination rates, including parts of Africa and Asia. Source: Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)

Polio, a crippling and potentially deadly disease, was on the verge of global eradication thanks to effective vaccination campaigns. However, in recent years, polio has reemerged in countries with low vaccination coverage, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. This resurgence threatens to undo decades of progress and highlights the critical need for maintaining high vaccination rates to keep polio at bay. College students, who often travel internationally for study abroad programs, are at an increased risk of encountering and spreading polio. Vaccination is crucial to prevent the reintroduction of this disease into previously polio-free areas.

Fact 4: Herd Immunity Threshold

Statistic: Approximately 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity for measles. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Herd immunity occurs when a significant portion of the population is vaccinated, thereby providing indirect protection to those who are not immune. About 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated for highly contagious diseases like measles to achieve herd immunity. College campuses require high vaccination rates to maintain this protective barrier. When vaccination rates fall below this threshold, outbreaks can occur, putting everyone at risk, especially those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

Fact 5: Economic Impact of Outbreaks

Statistic: The 2014–2015 measles outbreak in the United States cost public health departments an estimated $3.4 million to contain. Source: Journal of Health Affairs

Disease outbreaks are a health risk and a significant economic burden. The 2014–2015 measles outbreak in the United States cost public health departments an estimated $3.4 million to contain. These costs include medical treatment, outbreak investigation, and public health interventions. Preventing outbreaks through vaccination is far more cost-effective than responding to them after they occur. College campuses can face significant financial and operational disruptions during disease outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of vaccination.

Fact 6: Mumps Outbreaks in Colleges

Statistic: In 2016, a mumps outbreak affected over 2,000 students across 47 states in the U.S., primarily in college settings. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Mumps is another disease that has seen outbreaks recently, particularly in settings where close contact is common, such as colleges. In 2016, a mumps outbreak affected over 2,000 students across 47 states in the U.S. Mumps can lead to complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, and infertility. Ensuring that students are vaccinated before college is crucial to preventing such outbreaks.

The decision to skip vaccinations has severe consequences beyond individual health risks. It can lead to outbreaks of dangerous diseases, strain public health resources, and incur significant economic costs. Vaccinations are a proven, safe, and effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

Don’t let misinformation and hesitancy put you and others at risk. Stay informed, stay vaccinated, and help prevent the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases.

By understanding these facts and sharing them with others, we can work together to maintain high vaccination rates and protect public health.

Keeping Your Child Healthy in Daycare

Balancing a full-time job and parenting is challenging, especially when you notice your child has the sniffles after picking them up from daycare. It’s a reality that kids are often exposed to germs. Even in the cleanest daycare centers, children inevitably put dirty hands and toys in their mouths and rub their eyes. These incidents can cause some common illnesses, such as:

● Hand, foot, and mouth disease

● Colds and upper respiratory infections

● Pink eye

● Strep throat

● Stomach flu

Children will inevitably get sick, especially in a setting where they are in groups of other children. However, there are proactive steps you can take to ensure your child is protected and doesn’t spread an illness around your household.

Ways to Strengthen Your Child’s Immune System

All children get sick at some point. Parents should accept that they can’t protect their kids from every illness, whether in daycare or not. That said, there are things you can do to help strengthen your child’s immune system and keep them healthy:

● Focus on Hand Washing: Encourage kids to wash their hands before and after they eat, after using the bathroom or changing their diaper, and after touching anything in a public place.

● Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccines: Though childhood vaccinations won’t prevent common viruses, they can protect kids from serious illnesses like COVID-19, meningitis, and some types of pneumonia. Flu vaccines can ward off dreaded influenza, and the rotavirus vaccine can prevent at least one kind of stomach flu.

● Keep Hand Sanitizer on Deck: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids ages 0 to 3 had 23% fewer respiratory infections when they used alcohol-based liquid hand sanitizer in a daycare setting. That’s not because it’s more effective than soap and water, but it may be easier for children.

Other ways to strengthen a child’s immune system include eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, playing outdoors, and drinking enough water.

Essential Vaccinations for Children

Vaccinations remain the best protection against serious illnesses. Here are some essential vaccines recommended for children:

● Hepatitis B: This vaccine protects against the hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver damage and cancer. It is typically given in three doses.

● Rotavirus: This vaccine protects against rotavirus, a common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children. It is given orally in two or three doses, depending on the brand.

● Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): This combination vaccine protects against three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). It is given in five doses.

● Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): This vaccine protects against Hib bacteria, which can cause meningitis and other serious infections. It is typically given in four doses.

● Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13): This vaccine protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. It is given in four doses.

● Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV): This vaccine protects against polio, which can cause paralysis. It is given in four doses.

● Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): This combination vaccine protects against three viral infections: measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). It is given in two doses.

● Varicella (Chickenpox): This vaccine protects against chickenpox, a common childhood illness that can cause severe complications. It is given in two doses.

● Hepatitis A: This vaccine protects against hepatitis A, a liver disease. It is given in two doses.

● Influenza: The flu vaccine is recommended annually for children six months and older. It helps protect against the seasonal flu.

● Meningococcal: This vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, which can cause bacterial meningitis. It is typically given at age 11–12, with a booster at age 16.

● COVID-19: Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for eligible age groups to prevent severe illness and transmission of the virus.

Can Exposure to Germs Strengthen Kids’ Immune Systems?

Yes, it can, but there is always some risk involved. Once your child has been exposed to a virus, their body develops antibodies to combat that strain. This strengthens their immune system to fight off the same virus in the future. However, the risk lies in the unpredictability and mutability of certain viruses. For instance, getting sick with the flu once doesn’t mean your child won’t catch it again in the future.

Having An Open Line of Communication with Daycare Providers

Maintain open communication with your child’s daycare providers to ensure they are aware of any allergies or health concerns your child may have. Verify that the daycare has a policy for handling illnesses, including isolation procedures for sick children and cleaning protocols for toys and surfaces.

With summer here and kids exploring more, children in daycare will inevitably be exposed to germs and illnesses. However, this presents a great opportunity to strengthen your child’s immune system. By focusing on best practices such as hand hygiene, vaccinations, and overall healthy habits, parents can help ensure their children have a little extra protection at daycare.

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics: Effectiveness of a Hand Hygiene Program at Child Care Centers: A Cluster Randomized Trial

CDC: Safety, Health, and Injury Prevention Recommendations

Administration for Children & Families: Health and Safety Requirements

Essential Vaccinations for a Healthy School Year in Tennessee

Summer activities are in full swing, and kids are making the most of their time off before the new school year begins. Although it’s still early in the summer, it’s never too soon for parents to start preparing for the back-to-school season. This includes shopping for supplies and organizing schedules, but it also includes making sure your kids have all the necessary vaccinations.

In Tennessee, like in many states, vaccination requirements are in place to protect the health of all students and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Understanding these requirements can help ensure a smooth and healthy start to the school year.

Why Vaccinations Matter

Just like ensuring your child brings protective gear when participating in summer sports, vaccinations are essential for safeguarding them against contagious diseases. During the summer months, children have more space and are less likely to catch illnesses. However, schools, where many children gather, can be hotspots for spreading diseases, making vaccination a key preventive measure.

Tennessee’s Vaccination Requirements for School

In Tennessee, the Department of Health has specific vaccination requirements for children entering school. These requirements comply with state laws and promote a healthy school environment. Below is a list of the required vaccines and the diseases they protect children from:

● Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP): Protects against three serious bacterial diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).

● Polio (IPV or OPV): Protects against poliomyelitis, a viral disease that can cause paralysis, and is administered as inactivated poliovirus (IPV) or oral poliovirus (OPV).

● Hepatitis B: A vaccine that protects against the hepatitis B virus, which causes liver infection and can lead to serious liver disease.

● Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib): Protects against infections caused by the Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria, which can lead to severe diseases like meningitis.

● Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV): A vaccine that protects against pneumococcal infections, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.

● Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): A vaccine that protects against three viral diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.

● Varicella (Chickenpox): A vaccine that protects against the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox.

● Hepatitis A: A vaccine that protects against the hepatitis A virus, which causes liver infection and is often spread through contaminated food or water.

Recommended Immunization Schedule

Tennessee follows published CDC guidelines that govern vaccination requirements for various school levels. Below is an overview of the mandatory vaccinations needed:

Pre-Kindergarten

For children entering pre-kindergarten programs, the following vaccinations are required:

● Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

● Polio (IPV or OPV)

● Hepatitis B

● Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)

● Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)

● Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

● Varicella (Chickenpox)

● Hepatitis A

Kindergarten through 6th Grade

For students entering kindergarten, the following additional vaccinations are required:

● DTaP

● Polio

● Hepatitis B

● MMR

● Varicella

These are in addition to any doses required for pre-kindergarten that were not completed.

7th Grade

At the 7th-grade entry, students must provide proof of additional immunizations:

● Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster (Tdap)

● Varicella (if the student has not had chickenpox)

New Enrollees in a Tennessee School

Any child enrolling in a Tennessee school for the first time, regardless of grade level, must provide proof of the following vaccinations:

● DTaP

● Polio

● Hepatitis B

● MMR

● Varicella

Exemptions and Additional Recommendations

While Tennessee law requires these vaccinations for school attendance, there are provisions for medical and religious exemptions. A medical exemption must be documented by a healthcare provider, stating that a specific vaccine is contraindicated for the child. Religious exemptions must be submitted in writing by the parent or guardian.

Additionally, while not required, the Tennessee Department of Health strongly recommends the following vaccinations for all children:

● Influenza: Annually, to protect against seasonal flu.

● Meningococcal Vaccine: This vaccine is particularly important for teenagers and college students to protect against meningitis.

● Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: This vaccine is recommended for preteens to protect against HPV-related cancers.

Preparing for the School Year

Starting the school year off on the right foot involves more than just new notebooks and fresh pencils. It’s important to get ahead and prioritize your child’s health by ensuring they are fully vaccinated according to state requirements. If any vaccinations are missing, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Ensure that a copy of the updated immunization records is obtained and retained for submission to the school. By following these steps, your family will stay ahead, ensuring a great summer and a strong beginning to the school year.

Sources

Tennessee Department of Health: Immunization Requirements

CDC: Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age

CDC: Vaccines for Your Children

Essential Facts for Kids: Staying Safe from Lyme Disease During Peak Season

They live in dense, thick forests and are unassumingly small, but once they bury in you, they can cause significant harm. Lyme disease is one of the most common vector-borne illnesses in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease yearly. Children, especially those between the ages of 5 and 14, are at a higher risk due to frequent outdoor activities such as playing in grassy or wooded areas.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection primarily spread by ticks, particularly the black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick. As summer begins and outdoor activities ramp up, the risk to children and adults increases.

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. The early symptoms often include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans, known as the bull’s-eye rash. If left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.

What Kids Should Know During Peak Season

Identify Tick Habitats: Ticks thrive in wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Knowing where ticks live helps avoid these areas or take precautions when entering them.

Use Repellent: Apply insect repellent containing 20–30% DEET to exposed skin and clothing. Permethrin products can be used on clothing, shoes, and camping gear.

Wear Protective Clothing: When venturing into tick-prone areas, wear long sleeves, long pants and tuck pant legs into socks. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.

Perform Tick Checks: Check your body and clothing for ticks after coming indoors. Pay attention to hidden areas like underarms, ears, belly button, and behind knees. Showering soon after being outdoors can help wash off unattached ticks.

Know the Signs: Be aware of early symptoms of Lyme disease, especially the bull’s-eye rash. If you notice any symptoms, inform an adult and seek medical advice promptly.

What to do If You Get Bitten

If you’re bitten by a tick, it’s important to try and carefully remove it to reduce the risk of disease. Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove the tick by grasping it close to the skin and pulling it upward. Clean the bite area with alcohol or soap and water. Dispose of the tick by sealing it in a bag, placing it in alcohol, or flushing it down the toilet. Monitor for symptoms like rash, fever, or fatigue, and consult a doctor if they occur. Save the tick in a sealed container with a date label for potential testing.

How Often Do Kids Get Infected?

Children are particularly susceptible to tick bites due to their active outdoor lifestyles. Data suggests that children account for a significant proportion of Lyme disease cases in the United States. During peak tick season, typically late spring through early fall, the risk of infection increases.

Treatments and Vaccines

Lyme disease is primarily treated with antibiotics. Early-stage Lyme disease is usually treated with oral antibiotics such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime axetil. In more severe cases, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.

Vaccine development for Lyme Disease

A promising development in Lyme disease prevention is the emergence of vaccines. While no Lyme disease vaccine is currently available for humans, significant progress is being made. A vaccine called VLA15 is currently in advanced clinical trials and targets the outer surface protein A (OspA) of Borrelia burgdorferi.

A single antibody injection called Lyme PrEP is also being studied. This preventive measure aims to provide short-term protection against Lyme disease and could be particularly beneficial during the peak season.

Myths and Misconceptions

Lyme disease often leads to unnecessary anxiety and improper handling of tick bites. Contrary to popular belief, not all ticks transmit Lyme disease; only black-legged ticks in certain regions are known carriers of the bacteria. Immediate tick removal is crucial, as prompt action can significantly reduce the risk of infection since the bacterium typically requires 36–48 hours of attachment to be transmitted.

Understanding Lyme disease, recognizing its symptoms, and taking preventative measures are key to reducing the risk of infection and ensuring prompt and effective treatment if bitten by an infected tick.

Sources

CDC: Lyme Disease

CDC: Ticks

Mayo Clinic: Lyme Disease

Categories
Dr. Casey

Diseases Then and Now

Modern and preventive medicine have made such an incredible impact on saving lives. One of the first things you learn about in public health is how health concerns have significantly shifted in developed countries recently. These societies used to be focused on “acute” diseases. Acute diseases (or conditions) happen suddenly, can be very severe, and usually only last a short time (typically days or weeks). Examples of common acute diseases today include the common cold, asthma attacks, migraines, appendicitis, strep throat, etc. From this list of examples, it probably seems like acute conditions are fairly mild, and these typically are. The acute issues I just named all have treatments and medical interventions, and if there are no complications, they clear up pretty quickly. So, in the United States, for example, people do not spend much time worrying about acute conditions.

Instead, we worry about “chronic” diseases. Chronic diseases (or conditions) develop slowly, last a long time (months, years, or indefinitely), may get worse over time, and typically can be managed by medical intervention but cannot be cured. These conditions may need ongoing medical attention and may limit a person’s ability to perform daily activities. Some examples of chronic conditions include diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, and many other illnesses with which we are familiar.

This has not always been the case, though. Why is that? Well, as recently as the early 1900s, infectious diseases were the main causes of death in the U.S. Infectious diseases would generally be considered acute diseases. Still, in the society of the early 20th century, outbreaks of these diseases, which spread rapidly among populations with lower knowledge and standards of sanitation and hygiene, were extremely deadly. In fact, many of the infectious diseases that were so deadly at the time were spread by poor sanitation such as contaminated drinking water. Life expectancy in the year 1900 was only 47 years old. People did not live long enough to have the “luxury” of dealing with the chronic diseases so many struggle with today.

The three leading causes of death in 1900 were pneumonia, tuberculosis, and diarrhea / enteritis. These three causes, together with diphtheria caused 1/3rd of all deaths! Even more unfortunately — of these deaths, 40% were among children under 5 years old. Essentially, much of the population did not live long enough to develop the chronic diseases that plague our society today. Many did not live long enough to even attend grade school.

So what happened that shifted the acute vs. chronic disease paradigm in the U.S., and when did it happen? This transition from acute to chronic illness began around the 1950s in the United States, and many factors contributed to this change. Some of the most important of these were:

v Improvements in sanitation and hygiene (particularly drinking water, living conditions, food processing, etc.)

v Development of antibiotics like penicillin (1940s)

v Development and use of other medications to treat infections and illness

v Improvements in disease testing and diagnosis

(Earlier and accurate diagnosis means earlier and more effective treatment and minimization of spread)

v Educating and increasing awareness among the public

v Vaccines!

Looking at the list of some of the leading causes of death from 1900, many of the causes are easily preventable, and that is exactly what happened — people started taking actions like those listed above and preventing diseases when possible. Public health initiatives such as sanitation, education, vaccination, and more were put into place and big changes started to happen. Just in terms of immunization, vaccines knock out almost half of the list of leading causes of death from 1900 (smallpox, diphtheria, influenza, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and even cholera and typhoid if needed)!

Many of the leading causes of death today are preventable by maintaining the disease control and proper sanitation established over the last 100+ years, and by making healthy lifestyle choices, increasing health education and awareness. The latter of these efforts are more challenging, as it is much harder to change a person’s lifestyle (such as to stop eating processed, fatty foods and start exercising 4–5 days a week) than it is to take an antibiotic or get a vaccine. We definitely have a challenge in front of us. But it is extremely important that we keep up the decades of preventive health work we enjoy now by contributing to community immunity, being vaccinated as appropriate, quarantining when sick, practicing good hygiene, etc. Thanks to the public health initiatives and medical developments that have mostly ended widespread, constant infectious disease outbreaks and other deadly acute disease threats in the U.S., we now have the privilege of longer lives in which we can work to reduce our chronic health risks.

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