It's been a turbulent couple of years for U.S. healthcare. It all began with swine flu. Then several young children tragically passed from Enterovirus D-68, and a handful of nurses and journalists in the U.S. have stirred up something of a panic by contracting Ebola. Now what many have feared for a few years is becoming a reality: The anti-vaccination movement has shifted from a personal choice to a series of decisions that is now endangering young lives.

Disneyland Suffers Large-Scale Measles Outbreak
An outbreak of measles is rapidly getting out of hand, according to a Jan. 23 USA Today article. "Seventy people have been diagnosed with measles, and hundreds more have been exposed at schools, doctor's offices, hospitals, shopping malls and other places visited by infected patients," USA Today reports. The outbreak started with two separate cases in California, both originating from the popular theme park. The disease has spread from Disneyland and is now affecting children in six U.S. states, including California, Washington, Utah, Oregon, and Colorado. The outbreak is big news, especially considering the U.S. "declared [measles] eradicated in 2000," USA Today continues.

Vaccinate Your Children
What explains this outbreak? A growing number of U.S. parents are opposing vaccination, fearing the occasional side effects. First, just one dose of measles vaccine is highly effective (92%). Second, side effects are extremely rare; a study shows that children are actually far more likely to die in a car crash on the way to the doctor (clarification: that's not likely, either).

And you don't even have to take time off of work to vaccinate your child. There are more than 6,800 urgent care facilities and family health clinics in the U.S. A 24 hour walk in clinic can vaccinate your child before or after work (and school). These centers typically provide family health care and family health care services, including vaccinations. Many are open on weekends and holidays, giving you even greater options when vaccinating your child.

Approximately 3 million patients visit walk in health clinics every week. Let the 129,043 health care professionals working for these clinics help you keep your child healthy; ask nearby clinics whether they offer measles vaccinations.