Good reminder to keep shots updated

Thank you for the Monday editorial, “Little League decision tough but healthy call.” You identified challenges that public health often faces when the control of infectious diseases interferes with our pursuit of work or play. In this case, a major outbreak of pertussis (or whooping cough) lead Island County’s health officer, Dr. Roger Case, to recommend that the National Little League limit participation in tournaments on Whidbey Island.

Such action may appear drastic or old-fashioned to those who have grown up with immunizations and the protection they give our communities. Some may believe that the bad diseases prevented by vaccines have been wiped out. However, witness the re-emergence of measles in Europe and pertussis here. The trend to decline vaccination for self and children puts everyone at risk — and presents a very real invitation to widespread disease.

I hope your readers and their families will take this as a wake-up call to bring their shots up to speed. This is the most basic public health strategy that will save lives in an influenza pandemic when we might need to also close schools or major sporting events in Snohomish County. And this is an important aspect of what public health does every day, protecting everyone against disease. I appreciate your recognition of that good work and I applaud Dr. Case for practicing smart medicine.

Gary Goldbaum, MD, MPH

Health Officer &Director