Why Are Childhood Vaccines So Important? Learn from Your Local Graveyard
Across our state, throughout the nation, and indeed worldwide, children continue to face peril from a host of dangerous diseases. Recent outbreaks of measles in New York State serve as a stark reminder of this reality. In addition, cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, are on the rise, marking a significant increase in infection rates. Influenza remains a leading cause of hospitalization among the most vulnerable, namely infants and young children. Tragically, nearly 200 infants and children lost their lives during the 2023-2024 flu season alone in the U.S., underscoring the critical nature of vaccine preventable diseases, which continue to pose a serious threat to the unvaccinated population.
Have you ever taken a moment to observe gravestones in your local cemeteries? Consider the names and ages meticulously etched into stone, telling the stories of lives lived. Many gravestones—even those nestled in our own communities—bear witness to the heartbreaking loss of children.
Infants and children succumbed to high mortality rates not so long ago, even as recently as 75 years past. Some succumbed to complications from birth trauma and/or prematurity, with heartbreaking stories like that of my father’s oldest sibling, who died shortly after birth, her only identity marked as “baby.” Numerous gravestones vividly recount the devastation wrought by infectious diseases, conditions for which there were no effective treatments available. Family plots often reveal the immense grief of multiple losses at such tender ages. For instance, in the Bowen family plot in Fitch Hill Cemetery outside of Cooperstown, we find names and dates that tell a tragic tale: Alphonzo, who passed away on October 25, 1845, at just 7 months old; Lewis M., who departed this world on July 27, 1851, at 11 months; and Hudson S., who died on August 2, 1851, at the age of 7. Disturbingly, the last two boys lost their lives within just a week of each other, likely due to a contagious illness. There is no greater heartache than losing a child, save for the unbearable trial of losing multiple children.
What tragic circumstances could have led to these early deaths? The grim reality is that, during the late 19th century, many infants and children fell victim to diseases such as dysentery, diphtheria, pertussis, measles, and pneumonia. Fortunately, significant progress has been made in infant mortality rates, which plummeted from 75 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1925 to a remarkable decline of less than 7 per 1,000 by the year 2000.
So what drove this extraordinary change? The answer lies in vaccines.
Today, vaccines are available for over two dozen viruses and bacteria, ranging from A (anthrax) to Z (zoster). We have the ability to prevent the harmful effects of numerous pathogens that have historically afflicted infants and children through vaccination. The variola virus, responsible for devastating smallpox epidemics, was rendered extinct thanks to vaccination efforts. Rigorous immunization campaigns conducted globally, involving international collaboration, considerable financial investment, and dedicated labor, ultimately succeeded in consigning smallpox to the annals of history. Over the past century, vaccinations have profoundly revolutionized the health and wellbeing of children worldwide. Yet, it raises an alarming question: why is there growing concern today surrounding both new and established vaccines, which stand as one of the most critical public health breakthroughs in history?
The answer is simple yet disheartening—misinformation and disinformation have emerged as pressing health challenges all their own. I strongly encourage parents and guardians to consult their trusted pediatricians for accurate medical advice and facts. Understandably, parents remain concerned about vaccine safety—after all, these are their precious babies and children. It’s essential to acknowledge that vaccine developments and clinical trials, particularly concerning children, are carried out under stringent oversight and expertise. Consistent and rigorous research continues to provide essential insights to doctors regarding updates in existing vaccines and the introduction of new ones capable of preventing additional diseases. Your healthcare provider is your best source of reliable information.
As we reflect on the Bowen brothers—Alphonzo, Lewis, and Hudson—who tragically passed away in the mid-1800s, it’s imperative to engage with your children’s healthcare provider about the immunizations your child should receive. Unlike the Bowen family, who lacked access to the life-saving option of vaccinations, you have this crucial opportunity to protect your child’s health.
Chris Kjolhede, MD, MPH, is an Emeritus Pediatrician at Bassett Healthcare Network.
**What historical events led to the development of the annual immunization schedules endorsed by pediatric and family medicine organizations?**
**Interview on the Importance of Childhood Vaccines: Lessons from History**
**Host:** Welcome to our program! Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Emily Carter, a pediatrician and public health advocate, to discuss a somber yet crucial topic: the importance of childhood vaccines and their historical significance. Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. I’m glad to be here to shed light on such an essential subject.
**Host:** As we reflect on the importance of vaccines, your recent article draws parallels between childhood health indicators today and historical data, particularly concerning infant mortality due to infectious diseases. Can you elaborate on what drove the significant decline in these rates?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. Historically, high infant mortality rates were tragic, with many children succumbing to diseases like measles, pertussis, and pneumonia. In the late 19th century, many families lost multiple children to these preventable diseases. For instance, gravestones from that era, like those in the Bowen family plot, poignantly illustrate this loss. Fortunately, with the advent of vaccines, infant mortality rates dropped dramatically. The rate fell from 75 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1925 to less than 7 by the year 2000. Vaccines have been pivotal in achieving this, preventing outbreaks of diseases that once devastated communities [[1](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/vaccines/art-20048334)].
**Host:** The recent resurgence of diseases like measles and pertussis has raised alarms. What can you tell us about the current landscape of vaccine-preventable diseases?
**Dr. Carter:** The situation today is concerning. We’re seeing outbreaks of measles, especially in places with lower vaccination rates. Cases of whooping cough have also risen significantly. The flu remains a major threat, with nearly 200 child fatalities reported in the recent flu season alone. This highlights how vital vaccines are—not just for individual protection but for community health overall [[1](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/vaccines/art-20048334)].
**Host:** What message would you like to convey to parents who might still be hesitant about vaccinating their children?
**Dr. Carter:** I urge parents to consider the overwhelming evidence supporting vaccinations. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site or a low-grade fever. Severe reactions are very rare. The benefits far outweigh the risks, as vaccines protect not only your child but also those around them by helping to achieve herd immunity. Reflecting on the gravestones of the past reminds us how far we’ve come but also how crucial it is to maintain this progress and protect the next generation [[1](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/vaccines/art-20048334)].
**Host:** Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your insights on such a vital issue. It’s critical to learn from our past to safeguard our children’s future.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. Let’s continue the conversation about vaccinations and their importance.
**Host:** That’s all for today’s episode. Join us next time for more discussions on health and wellness. Stay safe and healthy!