What: "As the CDC says, its like a boat with a small leak: When we started bailing, the boat was filled with water. But we have been bailing fast and hard, and now it is almost dry. We could say, Good. The boat is dry now, so we can throw away the bucket and relax. But the leak hasnt stopped. Before long wed notice a little water seeping in, and soon it might be back up to the same level as when we started. Only eliminating disease can stop the leak. We see outbreaks of measles, chicken pox and whooping cough, among others, when vaccination rates drop. Removing the protection conferred by immunization is like letting the boat refill. Parents need to understand that vaccinations are critically important for both individual and public health."

Writer: Audrey Beem

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Date: Feb 21 2014 4:46 PM