Herd Immunity Revisited
In recent discussions of the flu vaccine, we've talked about the concept of "herd immunity." That is, the need for everyone in the group to be immunized to protect those in the group who aren't strong enough, even though they've had the immunization, too.
This story, about the incidents of measles in the small land of Gibraltar, a small country in the Mediterranean, is a perfect example of why herd immunity is required for group protection. Years ago, afraid that childhood vaccines caused autism, the parents of babies in Gibralter decided against allowing their children to be vaccinated against measles.
Now -- an outbreak. Hundreds of children, through older adults with weakened immune systems are now dealing with measles. So far no deaths have been reported.
Haven't gotten your flu shot yet? Even if you are young and strong, if you spend time with anyone who might not be, like a baby, someone with a chronic disease, or an older person with other health concerns, please get your flu shot. You owe it to your herd.
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Photo © Mario Toma/Getty Images
Comments
It’s amazing that our culture is so removed from the idea that humans are pack animals. We live and work in community (except for a few). When I consult with corporations, even those who offer the flu shot, I’m surprised to hear how many employees turn down the flu shot.
In a business world of cubes do people think they can really be immune to germs that linger? I recently heard a microbiology lecture and learned that many bacteria can stay in their live state for 24-48 hours on surfaces like steel and wood.
If you think you can defy the odds by avoiding the flu, then consider getting the flu shot as an early gift to your family and co-workers. It’s too easy to be infected and I don’t know anyone who wants to spend weeks feeling sick.
If our government is so concerned with us as a ‘herd’ why are they not doing a better job in inspecting our food, and why do we still allow that garbage to come here from China? So many countries will no longer import food from them.
Why do we not have a national health care system?
One would think the government might set an example for us in protecting the herd.
I am amazed at so many medical workers who refuse many vaccines.
Might they know things that we don’t?
I do catch the flu.
It has not meant more than a few days home from work.
I will take my chances with the flu and my body’s natural resistance.
I remember the swine flu and how the government was trying to mandate innoculation of all the population.
Why did the nurses in my local teaching hospital threaten to go on strike, willing to leave their jobs, before taking the shot?
Why are we not testing EVERY head of cattle for diseases, as they do in some other countries? There is a US rancher who did this and is being prosecuted by the government for doing so.
WHY, WHY, WHY?????
I think people just don’t attach a lot of credence to pronouncements of our government where our health is a concern. We have always felt that they cannot be relied on
and often cater to the financial well being of some large corporation before considering the welfare of the people.
GoldenGrain,
I do hear what you are saying. We share the same concerns.
But I also think flu vaccines are in a class by themselves — not the same as the other problems you cite.
First — the CDC and FDA are two different organizations. It’s the FDA that has, in my not so humble opinion, defaulted on its responsibilities to its citizens — the FDA oversees food and drugs for safety.
The biggest difference with the annual flu shot is that we’ve already had six months or more to watch the flu’s affect on people in other parts of the world, as it works its way here from the southern hemisphere (which gets winter ‘before’ we do, in effect.)
As for your other examples, like swine flu, and I would add bird flu or even SARS, I would agree that watchful waiting at this stage is a good idea. I also look at new vaccines like the HPV vaccine and wonder why more people don’t wait to see the longer term effects.
But for the annual flu? I have watched it kill loved ones, and I have seen how sick someone with a compromised immune system will get. Getting the shot is so very simple, and has NO effect on a healthy person other than to prevent, or at least lessen its effect…. I say — get the flu shot.
Thanks for posting.
Trisha
Trisha,
I have heard you, and perhaps will get one next year if they do not contain mercury, which I will discuss with my doctor.
I am sorry for the loss of those dear to you because of this problem.
I know no one who has died of the flu, and sometimes catch the flu for several years. Each year the case seems to be of shorter duration, so I am guessing my immune system has kicked in. Because of my limited experience, I must sound cavalier to you.
Thank you for your response.