I think you're looking at the problem backwards. Some parents feel safe not giving their children shots because everybody else's children had their shots, there

I think you're looking at the problem backwards. Some parents feel safe not giving their children shots because everybody else's children had their shots, therefore the total number of disease carriers are low. The article states that some elementary schools are reaching a 'critical mass' of students without vaccinations that will cause outbreaks. Since most of these students tend from wealthy, affluent families, the example in the story of contracting measles from a different country, importing it here, and spreading it to the other elementary schools is a danger to all those who have not had their shots. To answer the above question: If you're immunized, there's nothing to worry about. The problem is if you're not immunized, and your child is in a 'critical mass' set, parents may have to rethink their beliefs as the immunizations do protect against deadly diseases.