While Sussex County residents prepare to welcome the new year, viruses are circulating and may make unexpected appearances at long-awaited celebrations. Luckily, Delawareans have local access to lifesaving vaccines against illnesses such as flu, RSV, pneumonia and COVID-19 through the Division of Public Health. As a nurse scientist, pediatric nurse practitioner and mom, I fully believe in using evidence-based tools like vaccines to protect children, the elderly and the vulnerable from the potentially deadly outcomes of infections.
Despite the widespread availability of vaccines that provide protection from transmittable illness, misinformation and confusion concerning immunization are leading to very real and negative health impacts. Canada recently lost its measles elimination status – meaning the disease is now circulating freely – and the U.S. is currently experiencing a worsening measles outbreak that means we may soon follow.
We live in an increasingly interconnected society and world, and to pretend otherwise is not only incorrect; it’s dangerous. The truth is that infectious diseases such as the flu, COVID and measles know no borders. Organizations like the World Health Organization play a critical role in helping stop infectious diseases at their source before they reach the U.S.
An example of the WHO’s work is evident in annual flu vaccination. Every year, WHO collects and analyzes global flu samples, helping researchers to identify the circulating strains and create flu vaccines to match. Without annual vaccine updates, our children, seniors and other vulnerable Delawareans will be less protected.
I strongly advocate that Congress continue to engage with the WHO, even as we as a country formally withdraw from membership in January. In Delaware, we are both pragmatic and forward-thinking. In this spirit, I hope that Rep. Sarah McBride and Sens. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Chris Coons will continue to uphold the important relationship with WHO to keep our country and our state safe and proactively prepare for future health threats.
As we welcome the new year, I urge you to take the steps needed to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Proven tools like vaccines, and proven partnerships like the U.S. and WHO, protect our community and keep our world healthy.
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