Kimberlin added that other diseases are out there as well. Diptheria, a serious respiratory disease, still circulates in Russia, for example. "It's 12 hours away from us right now," Kimberlin said.
Polio, which can leave children paralyzed, is close to being eradicated worldwide, because of vaccines.
"At the turn of the 20th century, 16 of every 100 kids died of an infectious disease before age 5," Kimberlin added. "It was the norm to bury a child. It's not anymore and the reason is because of vaccines. Parents, please don't turn your back on this lifeline."
More information
Check out the recommended vaccine schedule for kids and adults at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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