How close to home are these diseases?

As a student who attends school in Garfield County, it concerns me to think that a large number of students and staff may not be vaccinated. Especially in a school setting where germs are easily and quickly passed around. In 2011 tragedy hit our little town. He was a healthy, active kid who just happened to not have the flu vaccine and it cost him his life.

At the start of 2018 Garfield County released their annual health report for 2017. Within this report was a vaccines report. According to Garfield County health services the number of people who receive necessary vaccines dropped by 16 percent in 2017.

• 325 adults received vaccinations under the 317 fund program

• 2,036 people received the annual flu vaccine

• “There has been a 16 percent decrease in overall vaccines given by Garfield County Public Health since 2016”

Even though there has been a 16 percent decrease in the amount of people who get vaccinated, we as a community have gotten better at fighting these deadly diseases in our county. However, we need to do better so those kids who cannot be vaccinated or the elderly who’s immune system cannot fight off the diseases are not at such high risk. Theses are issues we had solved and need to keep solving them. We should not have measles and polio making a comeback.

Natalie Schauster,

Rifle High School student