Immunization Numbers Down

Health experts believe a decrease in immunizations could set the stage for a resurgence of preventable diseases like measles, meningitis and whooping cough

When the pandemic started and the virus began affecting thousands, many hospitals and clinics around the country chose to stop performing elective procedures.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the rate of childhood vaccinations took a dip during that time as well.

Parents are forgoing essential vaccine requirements for fear of their children, or themselves, contracting the virus while on a normal hospital visit.

Health experts believe a decrease in immunizations could set the stage for a resurgence of preventable diseases like measles, meningitis and whooping cough.

According to Dr. Raj Naik, “The concern is obviously, that we are going to get, other vaccine preventable disease outbreaks on top of this pandemic. That could really overwhelm the healthcare systems if we see that. So across the country, we’re trying to come up with solutions to make sure that children get their vaccines.”

Dr. Naik is the Section Head of General Pediatrics at Gundersen Health System.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is encouraging all parents to maintain the recommended schedule to keep their children and community safe.

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