Seriously concerning figures released this week show more Australians have been diagnosed with measles in the first four months of 2019 than for the whole of 2017.
Ladies and gentlemen, that is seriously messed up.
There have been 83 recorded cases across the country as of April 5, compared with 81 two years ago. Last year, there were more diagnoses, 103 throughout the year, but it seems with the current track record, 2019 will surpass 2018.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said: "I am concerned about the recent increases in measles cases in Australia and want to make sure our community is well protected against this very serious disease.
"Immunisation saves lives. The measles vaccine is very effective at protecting lives."
The issue couldn't be more evident than in two cases where the patients were too young to get vaccinated. That's why vaccinations are so important because it helps protect the more vulnerable.
Babies will typically get the MMR vaccine between 12 to 15 months old. But these two Sydney newborns were just eight and 11-months-old.
NSW Health Director of Communicable Diseases, Dr Vicky Sheppeard said: "The local public health units are working directly with medical practices and hospitals to follow up other patients present at the same time as the infants, and offer preventive treatment as appropriate.
"If you develop symptoms, please call ahead to your GP to ensure you do not wait in the waiting room with other patients."
If you need another reason to get vaccinated, this should be it. Kids this young shouldn't have to suffer like this because of other people's poor decisions.
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