How to protect your baby from the unvaccinated.

Measles was eliminated in the United States in 2000. However, between 2013 and 2014 the incidence of measles in the United States tripled -- to more than 600 cases. This figure may not be the world tally of 400 people a day dying from the disease, but it is unacceptable. And the scenario for whooping cough? 2012 saw nearly 50 times as many cases as the low in 1976, and 2014 data will likely be worse.

As a mom whose 3-month-old daughter got whooping cough, I can get riled up about people choosing not to vaccinate themselves or their children.
. . . .

As an economist, I have a proposal to increase the vaccination rate: Ask whether your family's caretakers and visitors are vaccinated and, when appropriate, insist that they be.

By asking upfront whether a potential postpartum doula, nanny, baby sitter, senior helper or even a visitor is vaccinated, I can show people that immunizations provide the added benefit of opening the door to my home and maybe even a job.

More.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/29/opinion/tran-vaccination-kids/index.html