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Most vaccines are given several months after birth in order to allow the immune system to develop first. (Neonates have impaired adaptive immune systems. Althou
by carbocation 16y ago
Most vaccines are given several months after birth in order to allow the immune system to develop first. (Neonates have impaired adaptive immune systems. Although people are now experimenting with the concept of giving vaccinations at birth, this is still largely done only in the research context.) Thus, our youngest rely to a certain degree on herd immunity, which is the phenomenon being described by the parent post.
In other words, it is a huge deal.
- OpieCunningham 16y agoOK. So the risk is increased from existing (a pre-vaccine baby can catch a disease from another pre-vaccine baby) to existing slightly more (pre-vaccine baby catching disease from unvaccinated child). Before I can agree that is a "huge deal", I'd like to see some numbers on the degree this actually happens vs. the existing non-huge deal of pre-vaccinated baby transmission to pre-vaccinated baby.
- carbocation 16y agoGreat! I'd encourage you to make use of resources such as http://www.pubmed.gov/ http://www.pubmed.gov/ to find reliable sources to help you answer your questions.
- smokey_the_bear 16y agoIt's happening in California right now with whooping cough - http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19363-whooping-cough-outbreak-could-be-worst-in-50-years.html http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19363-whooping-cough-o...
- OpieCunningham 16y agoThanks for the link! Definitely is an issue.