Thousands of base children not fully vaccinated

  • Published
  • By Kathryn Trammell
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Kadena's medical clinic reported at the end of May that 3,230 children between 0-18 years of age are overdue for their childhood vaccines, and more than half of those children are 6 years old or younger. Just this year, 2,600 children did not receive the flu vaccine.

Medical officials believe that some parents fail to immunize their children based on fears that childhood vaccines are linked to the onset of disorders like autism and hyperactivity.
"It is unfortunate that technology and worldwide 24-hour media outlets allow any person or celebrity to make claims that vaccines cause childhood autism or other problems," said Master Sgt. Paul Dunbar, who works in the 18th Medical Group's immunizations clinic.

And it's not just parents that require education about immunizations.

"Every year we have to convince highly-educated active duty members, including colonels, that the flu shot does not give you the flu," said Dunbar.

The fact is that vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. They not only protect the vaccinated individual, but they also protect entire communities by preventing or reducing the spread of infectious disease, said Dunbar.

The Services of the Armed Forces, which falls under the 18th MDG, understands the issues and concerns associated with delinquent immunizations and are working to develop an outreach program aimed at expressing the importance of childhood vaccines.

Ensuring the safety of Kadena's families against the spread of infectious diseases is part of the SAF mission.

According to Maj. Tod Frazer II, a health care integrator for the 18th MDG, and Gary Bailey, American Red Cross director, the SAF is trying to solve the problem of overdue childhood immunizations using a collaborative community helping agency approach with the American Red Cross, Department of Defense District Schools, child development centers, the Bundles for Babies Program and the 18th MDG's immunization clinic.

The agencies are partnering together to address the issue and educate the public.

Diseases such as small pox and polio have been almost completely eradicated worldwide since immunization against them began. However, children still suffer or die from many vaccine-preventable diseases such as whooping cough, measles, hepatitis, chicken pox, or [the] flu, said Dunbar.

Medical group officials urge parents to take ownership and responsibility of their children's healthcare and ensure they are vaccinated on time.

"By delaying vaccines or using an alternative to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations, you are essentially playing Russian Roulette with your child's health [and] life," said Dunbar.

Those who are worried about the safety of vaccines should discuss their concerns with a healthcare provider. Parents can check their child's immunization status by calling the immunizations clinic at 630-4415, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.