Disease and Healthcare

epidemiological situation to determine a potential response to the virus spreading to various other countries. The U.S. and U.K. have also implemented surveillance on the poliovirus, strongly urging the general public to vaccinate

Health officials currently advise the best course of action to be immediate vaccination On September 9th, 2022, Governor Hochul issued an Executive Order declaring the polio outbreak to be a State Disaster Emergency, and increased the availability of resources to protect New Yorkers from getting infected. State Health Commissioner Dr Mary T Bassett also added, “If you or your child are unvaccinated or not up to date with vaccinations, the risk of paralytic disease is real I urge New Yorkers to not accept any risk at all. Polio immunization is safe and effective–protecting nearly all people against disease who receive the recommended doses. Do not wait to vaccinate. If you are unsure of you or your families' vaccination status, contact a healthcare provider, clinic, or local county health department to confirm you and your loved ones receive all recommended doses.”

Currently, the individuals most at risk in New York are unvaccinated civilians in the Rockland, Orange, Sullivan, and Nassau counties These areas, known for their low vaccination rates as little as 37% do not have the herd immunity that large vaccinated populations have Widespread misinformation has led people around the country to reject vaccination, believing that the severity of real or perceived side effects caused by vaccinations outweigh the actual diseases. The World Health Organization also reports childhood vaccination rates have declined globally within the last three years Experts attribute this reduction to decreased access to scheduled vaccination and pediatric appointments. Specifically in the U.S., a growing distrust of public health and government agencies has also been a contributing factor.

Nevertheless, in spite of concerns of anti-vaccination sentiment, hopes remain high in combating polio; if the world can do it once, it can unite to fight against the virus again