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Since spring, polio has been found in four counties in New York, plus the city, so Governor Kathy Hochul has issued an emergency declaration. Only one case of paralytic polio has been found, but if there’s one there are at least 100 out there. Rockland, Orange and Sullivan counties had 50 samples collected that showed the virus. Vaccination rates in those three counties are low, between 59 and 62%.
Polio vaccine is effective
In Orange County about 58% of children have had three shots before turning two. Rockland County comes in at 60% and Sullivan County claims 62%.
Nassau County is close to the statewide average of 79%. It’s hoped that the emergency declaration pushes the vaccination rate to above 90%
Polio paralyzes
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said, “On polio, we simply cannot roll the dice. 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.”
The emergency declaration will allow more health or medical professionals to be able to administer the vaccine. The declaration also requires those who vaccinate for polio to send information to the state health department.
Targeted polio efforts
The vaccines are 99% effective so it’s worth the effort. The disease has been fatal for between 2 and 10 % of cases. The person in New York that had polio had received a weakened vaccine that was not administered in the United States.
By the time most American children receive their four doses of the vaccine they’re six years old with the beginning of the volley at the age of six weeks. Children who haven’t received any doses by the age of four need to have three doses and those who’ve had one or two shots need to complete the series as soon as possible. The vaccine can be repeated if records have been lost.
