Measles Madness: 🤒A Discussion with Dr. J.B. Cantey

Welcome to Pediatrics Now for Parents. In this episode, Host Holly Wayment talks to  Dr. J.B. Cantey, a double board certified neonatologist and infectious disease expert with a Master's in public health. The measles outbreak across 15 states in the USA and its link to insufficient vaccination rates is the central topic of our discussion.

Dr. Cantey brings to light a crucial perspective, stating that the success of past vaccinations has led to a degree of out-of-sight, out-of-mind complacency. Diseases like polio, diphtheria, rubella, and measles, are now less of an immediate concern due to vaccination successes, which unfortunately leads to falling vaccination rates. However, failure to vaccinate children could potentially lead to the re-emergence of these diseases.

We also discuss the alarming decrease in contemporary vaccination rates and its causes, such as parent uncertainty, hesitation, and misinformation. Our focus then shifts to measles, as Dr. Cantey expounds the crucial role of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine and emphasizes the importance of vaccinating children, irrespective of their age. We explore the potential severity of measles and the life-threatening complications it could lead to if left untreated.

Toward the end of the podcast, we provide detailed guidance for parents who have kids that missed their vaccines. Dr. Cantey strongly recommends seeking trusted healthcare advice and, unless a child is an exception, vaccinating them ASAP before potential exposure to infectious diseases. We round off our discussion by addressing concerns about areas with low vaccination rates and their implications on preventing outbreaks like measles.

Search for our episode titled 'Got Vaccines' in this Pediatrics Now for Parents newsfeed for more insights into the importance of vaccination for your child's health.