Success of Vaccines
Thursday, February 21, 2008

According to The Centers for Disease Control, vaccinations are working as most preventable diseases are much less common. Dr. Ken Davis reveals the CDC’s data about vaccine-preventable diseases in today’s 60 Second Housecall.

The CDC reported cases, deaths and hospitalizations for 13 diseases with  vaccines. 

Their findings:

�  A 92 percent drop in cases and 99 percent drop in deaths for diphtheria, mumps, pertussis and tetanus, compared to pre-vaccination days.

�  Smallpox has been practically eliminated worldwide.

�  Polio has been eliminated in the U.S.

�  Measles, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome also show a drop of at least 99 percent in the number of reported U.S. cases in last year.

Newer vaccines are also making a dent in diseases, according to the CDC.

�  Invasive H influenzae type B: cases down nearly 100 percent

�  Hepatitis A cases down 87 percent

�  Hepatitis B cases down 80 percent

�  Invasive pneumococcal disease cases down 34 percent

�  Chickenpox cases down 85 percent

It’s important to keep your vaccinations up to date – and remember, vaccines aren’t just for kids.

For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.