There have been two national news stories about measles this week.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/03/us-boston-measles-idUSTRE72206D20110303
http://www.theindychannel.com/travelgetaways/27012318/detail.html

It is likely that most people in Connecticut have never really seen a child with the measles. Neither have most doctors. That is the miracle of universal childhood immunization. But it is also part of the problem we have explaining why children get so many shots!

On weeks like this it is worth remembering that these illnesses are still out there and may only be as far away as the nearest airport. Many, like measles, have no known cure. Vaccination is our best defense and the resulting “herd immunity” is the best protection we can offer those too young or too sick to be vaccinated themselves.

Something to think about.