Here's What's Happening at East Polk Rotary

 

Last week we were honored by our own Ned Looney as Rotarian of the Day and speaker of the day.  Ned had some things on his mind--specifically how the press has been reporting on vaccinations for measles, influenza, and polio.  There had been quite a bit of recent press about the measles outbreak in California and the pros and cons of vaccinations for children.  Of course, in recent years there have been some high level celebrities who have come out publicly against vaccines, saying they can cause autism.  Ned gave an even-tempered presentation on this issue and pointed out that you can actually contract measles from the vaccine.  However, he also mentioned that there has not been a single death from measles in over 10 years.  

 

Next he tackled influenza, or the flu, and told everyone that this year's flu vaccine was only 24% effective.  In fact, for those over age 65 it's only 10% effective.  In reality, only 20% of patients who are diagnosed with the flu actually had the flu.  Ned also mentioned that if you get a flu shot every year, it makes the vaccine less effective.  Who knew?

 

Finally, Mr. Looney got very focused and told us something rather startling.  He said for every country that we cross off the list as hosting cases of polio, we run a high risk of creating more cases of polio.  In fact he said there can be an increasing number of vaccine-induced polio cases or polio-like symptoms in local populations, especially among those people displaced by war and conflict.  As they cross borders and flee homelands, often people are given the oral vaccine, whether they have already had the vaccine.  Often that information is difficult or impossible to obtain.  He cautioned against getting too myopic in the race for eradication and not to get caught up in the hype.  This road to eradication will be long and difficult.  Keep a cool head about the task ahead and don't become too discouraged as cases pop up in areas that were previously polio-free.  Human nature, poverty and war are major contributors to polio-sustenance.

 

Tomorrow features Darrell Hanson as Sergeant at Arms and Ryan Swalwell as Rotarian of the Day.  We look forward to seeing everyone at 7:00 AM.