Tag

Childhood Diseases

All articles tagged with #childhood diseases

politics5 months ago

Kennedy's MAHA Strategy and Its Impact on America

The release of Kennedy's MAHA strategy, which aims to overhaul responses to childhood chronic diseases and impact food, farm, and health policies, has been delayed. Stakeholders and industry groups have heavily lobbied on its contents, and while the White House has previewed the report, its public release has been postponed amid ongoing political and lobbying pressures, especially from advocates pushing for stricter pesticide bans and vaccine restrictions.

health1 year ago

"Rising Measles Cases Prompt Urgent Action from Health Officials"

The World Health Organization reported a significant increase in measles cases and deaths worldwide, with 32 countries experiencing large outbreaks in 2022. The decline in vaccination rates has contributed to this surge, with about 61 million doses missed or delayed in 2021. Low-income countries have the lowest vaccination rates, and conflict and disruptions in health services have further impacted vaccination efforts. Urgent and targeted efforts are needed to prevent measles disease and deaths, especially among children under 5 who are at the highest risk for severe complications.

health2 years ago

"UNICEF Aids in Surge of Childhood Vaccines Entering Gaza Amid Rising Infections"

The Palestinian health ministry has announced the delivery of thousands of doses of vaccines for childhood diseases such as polio and measles into the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing, with the aid of the Egyptian government. This effort is to address a health emergency exacerbated by the halt of normal health services due to the Israeli offensive against Hamas. The vaccines, which are expected to last 8 to 14 months, were facilitated by Israel to prevent disease spread and are crucial for the estimated 60,000 newborns in Gaza. The vaccines were sourced from the Palestinian health ministry's purchases and donations from UNICEF.

health2 years ago

"Idaho Leads Nation in Unvaccinated Schoolchildren as Parental Opt-Outs Rise"

Idaho has the highest rate of parents opting out of state-required vaccines for their children entering kindergarten, with 12% of kids exempted last year. This has raised concerns about potential outbreaks of diseases like measles, especially given the state's low vaccination rates. Last September, Idaho experienced a measles outbreak, but fortunately, it was contained within one family of unvaccinated individuals. The rise in vaccine exemptions is attributed to various factors, including misinformation, political rhetoric, and easier access to waivers. Health experts emphasize the need for interventions on multiple levels to improve vaccination rates, including doctor-parent conversations, social media campaigns, and easier vaccine access. Some states have tightened exemption laws, while others have seen improvements through partnerships between schools, public health, and pediatricians.

health2 years ago

"Rising Parental Opt-Outs Prompt Urgent Push for Schoolchildren Vaccinations, Say Health Officials"

Health officials are urging parents to vaccinate their schoolchildren as more parents in the US opt out of state-required vaccines. Last year, vaccination waivers among kindergartners reached an all-time high of 3%, driven by vaccine misinformation, political rhetoric, and state laws that make it easier to obtain waivers. Idaho had a recent measles outbreak, but the impact was limited as the infected family quarantined and the children were already being homeschooled. However, the state's low vaccination rates pose a risk if outbreaks occur in public schools. Experts emphasize the need for interventions at various levels, including doctors engaging with parents, social media campaigns, and easier access to vaccines. Some states have tightened exemption laws, while others have seen increases in waivers. Achieving a high level of vaccination, around 95%, is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases like measles.

health2 years ago

Rising Unvaccinated Children Fuel Deadly Outbreaks

Disruptions to health systems during the COVID-19 pandemic have left over 60 million children worldwide without a single dose of standard childhood vaccines, leading to large outbreaks of diseases that primarily kill children. By mid-2023, 47 countries reported serious measles outbreaks, compared to 16 countries in June 2020. Nigeria is facing its largest diphtheria outbreak, and twelve countries are reporting circulating polio virus. "Zero-dose children" account for nearly half of all child deaths from vaccine-preventable illnesses. An additional 85 million children are underimmunized due to the pandemic. Deaths from measles rose 43% in 2022, and the figures for 2023 indicate it could double. UNICEF is urging countries to implement catch-up vaccination blitzes to reach missed children, but challenges include reaching older children and addressing disinformation campaigns.

health2 years ago

Rising Unvaccinated Children Fuel Deadly Outbreaks

Disruptions to health systems during the COVID-19 pandemic have left over 60 million children worldwide without a single dose of standard childhood vaccines, leading to large outbreaks of diseases that primarily kill children. By mid-2023, 47 countries reported serious measles outbreaks, compared to 16 countries in June 2020. Nigeria is facing its largest diphtheria outbreak, and twelve countries are reporting circulating polio virus. "Zero-dose children" account for nearly half of all child deaths from vaccine-preventable illnesses. An additional 85 million children are underimmunized due to the pandemic. Deaths from measles rose 43% in 2022, and the figures for 2023 indicate it could double. UNICEF is urging countries to implement catch-up vaccination blitzes to reach missed children, but challenges include reaching older children and addressing disinformation campaigns.

health2 years ago

Michigan's Alarming Decline in Childhood Vaccination Rates Raises Concerns

Health officials in Michigan are urging parents to prioritize childhood immunizations as the state is experiencing some of its lowest vaccination rates in a decade. The vaccination rate for toddlers is at 66.5% for recommended doses in the primary series, with less than 70% in over half of the state's counties. Higher immunization rates help reduce the risk of outbreaks of communicable diseases such as measles, mumps, pertussis, and chickenpox. Trust in vaccines hasn't declined overall, but rates have decreased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Health officials emphasize that these diseases are real and circulate in communities, and vaccines are safe and effective.

health2 years ago

Back-to-School Vaccines: A Must for Students

Maryland school districts, including Baltimore County, are reminding parents that vaccinations are not optional for students. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases and ensuring children are ready to learn. While COVID-19 is no longer a widespread concern, parents are advised to discuss flu and COVID boosters with healthcare providers to prevent potential outbreaks. Vaccines are safe and effective, and getting children vaccinated now can help prevent problems in the future.

health2 years ago

Maine's Childhood Vaccination Rate Soars to Top of Nation.

Maine's school-required vaccination rate has improved significantly over the past two years, following the state's elimination of religious and philosophical exemptions. The percentage of students entering kindergarten who have received childhood vaccines increased substantially during the 2022-23 school year, with exemptions for medical reasons representing only 0.8% of Maine's population of about 11,700 kindergarten students. Maine now has one of the best school vaccination rates in the nation, with an opt-out rate less than half of the national average. Anti-vaccine advocates continue to try to repeal the vaccination law, but lawmakers have voted down the latest effort to restore the religious and philosophical exemptions.

health2 years ago

Discovery of Thousands of New Viruses in Baby Diapers

Scientists in Denmark have found 10,000 new viruses in baby diapers, many of which have never been identified before. The study aims to identify causes of chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma, eczema, and allergies. The researchers will examine diapers from when the babies were 1 week and 1 month old to see if the 10,000 virus types were present at those young ages. The children in the study will continue to contribute information, and the researchers will keep watching for connections between the gut and serious diseases.