We've been told time and time again about the importance of getting vaccinated.
Not only does it help the individual from getting infected with deadly or damaging diseases and illnesses, but it also builds up a herd immunity that protects the more vulnerable.
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That couldn't be more evident than in the case of two Sydney babies who have now been infected with measles.
But before you blame the parents for not getting them vaccinated, the key to this story is that they were too young to get the measles, mumps and rubella jab.
Babies will typically get the MMR vaccine between 12 to 15 months old.
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These two Sydney newborns were just eight and 11-months-old, meaning they were too young to get the vaccine and therefore were incredibly vulnerable.
NSW Health has issued a warning for other vulnerable or unvaccinated people to stay away from the areas that the two babies visited.
An 8 month old infant, likely caught the infection in the Haymarket area near World Square. The infant spent time at the following locations while infectious:
- Yass Korean BBQ Buffet, 1/39 The Boulevarde, Strathfield on Tuesday 26 March, between 6:30pm and 10:00pm;
- Time Brasserie (restaurant/café), Shop 11, Level 1 Time Plaza Hurstville 127-137 Forest Rd Hurstville on Wednesday 27 March between 4:00pm and 5:30pm; and
- St George Hospital Emergency Department, 28a Gray St Kogarah on Saturday 30 March between 7:30pm and 11:00pm.
An 11 month old infant, likely caught the infection in the Eastwood area. The infant spent time at the following locations while infectious:
- Eastwood Plaza 152-160 Rowe St Eastwood, including play areas near Woolworths and on the first floor on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 of March;
- Castle Towers, 6-14 Castle St Castle Hill, including play area on the Lower Ground floor on Tuesday 26 and Friday 29 March;
- The North Village 10-12 Hezlett Rd Kellyville on Wednesday 27, Friday 29 and Saturday 30 March; and
- North Village Family Practice, Shop S3 the North Village Kellyville, on Wednesday 27 at 12-1.15pm, Friday 29 5.30-6.30pm and Saturday 30 March 9 to 12pm.
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.
Featured Image Credit: PA