Haitian Children Receive Vaccines

[mama1803]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,585083,00.html

[Bokonon]

I think that's probably a great idea. The lack of consistent nutrition and sanitation there make disease not only possible but probable, and death much more likely than it would be in the U.S. The argument that these diseases were on the decline in the U.S. before the vaccines were introduced, because of improved sanitation, is just not applicable in Haiti right now.

[philomom]

Probably for the best in this case.

[anewmama]

The right thing to do.

[elmh23]

Considering the poor sanitation they used to have was like a million times better than the current situation, mixed with the malnutrition and infections from various wounds, I see absolutely no problem with this.

[jeliphish]

I think this will help keep thousands safe...

[SunshineJ]

Well I'm not sure measles would be my first concern to be honest, but I can definitely see a valid reason for vaccinating against tetnus (let's hope it works!) and diptheria. In this situation I think the risk of contracting the diseases and not being able to receive adequate treatment for them outweighs the concerns and risks of the vax's, though it's an unpleasant choice to make. I have to wonder though if they'll be doing the full MMR and DTaP or just the ones specified, last I heard they weren't being produced separately anymore.

[anewmama]

It's all critical. Even measles at this point. With no shelter, rain about to start, no food, any illness at this point will become absolutely untreatable for the children and adults. The full MMR is the only one available.

[SunshineJ]

Originally Posted by anewmama

It's all critical. Even measles at this point. With no shelter, rain about to start, no food, any illness at this point will become absolutely untreatable for the children and adults. The full MMR is the only one available.

Understood and not disagreeing. I'm just saying that if I had a choice of say 3 vaccines to provide, and one was measles versus say diptheria, I don't think measles would be my highest priority given the current lack of sanitation over there right now.