POLL: Don’t vaccinate your child at your peril, warn experts
There is a 30-year void in the discovery of antibiotics, with no registered classes of antibiotics having been discovered since 1984
IN the wake of a measles outbreak in parts of South Africa, health experts have warned against the trend of the non-vaccination of children, particularly the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The experts have indicated that the ‘recent spike in measles cases in the Western Cape and Gauteng is a direct result of parents refusing to vaccinate their children against the illness.’
They say non-vaccination is of growing concern, as this ‘reckless habit’ in general could fuel a rise in antibiotic-resistant super bugs.
Annemarie Blackmore, Pharma Dynamics’ Antimicrobials Portfolio Manager, is one such expert who says that vaccinating children is paramount in the ongoing fight against these super bugs.
‘Antibiotic resistance is when an antibiotic has lost its ability to effectively control or kill bacterial growth and is exacerbated by the unnecessary and incorrect use of antibiotics,’ she said.
‘Vaccines have the potential to decrease disease, which can in turn reduce the need for antibiotic use.’
Following the publication of a UK study some years ago, which linked the MMR vaccine to autism, many parents remain skeptical about vaccines in general.
‘Contrary to these mistaken beliefs, vaccines are and will continue to play a pivotal role, and even more so in the next two to three decades in combatting illnesses and anti-microbial resistance (AMR) alike,’ said Blackmore.
Damage done
The study has since been proven fraudulent by an investigation published in the British Medical Journal, but the damage had already been done.
There has been a significant drop in the rate of vaccinations globally, including in South Africa which, according to the Health Systems Trust’s district health barometer, saw a 10% decrease in vaccinations between 2012/13 and 2013/14.
South Africa must meet its immunisation targets and this has become a top priority given the ‘alarming rise’ in, not only measles, but super bugs in recent years.
According to Blackmore, there is a 30-year void in the discovery of new types of antibiotics, with no registered classes of antibiotics having been discovered since 1984.
‘This reaffirms the importance of using responsibly the precious antibiotics we do have.
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‘Already AMR is estimated to kill more than 700 000 people globally per year.
‘If not addressed, by 2050 10 million people are expected to die annually because of drug-resistance.
‘Everyone can, and should, play their part by vaccinating themselves and their loved ones against the diseases outlined in the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) expanded immunisation programme.
‘To access this list, visit https://pharmadynamics.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/VaccinatorsManualFinal.pdf,’ urged Blackmore.
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases in the world and could cause brain damage, pneumonia or blindness.
Look out for high fever and flu-like symptoms and, after two or three days, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth, followed by a rash, which usually starts as tiny, flat red spots on the face, neck, trunk and extremities.
If measles is suspected, parents are urged to visit a GP or clinic immediately.
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