Pertussis, a highly dangerous and easily transmittable infection, is making a comeback in Kazakhstan, with a concerning number of cases reported. Despite the availability of vaccines funded by the local budget, some Kazakhstani parents are stubbornly opposing vaccination, reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent reports from various regions in Kazakhstan have highlighted the severity of the situation. In Karaganda, a 10-month-old child had to be hospitalized due to pertussis, prompting a sudden increase in reported cases after a decade of no recorded infections in the region. Shockingly, the parents of the infected child, who have three other children, are against vaccination.
While the pertussis vaccine is part of routine preventive measures and requires only consent for administration, the rising number of unvaccinated children has led to a surge in cases across the country. Almaty, Rudny, Mangistau, and North Kazakhstan have all reported cases of pertussis, with unvaccinated children bearing the brunt of the infections.
The situation in Kazakhstan mirrors a global trend, with countries like Russia, Czech Republic, and Israel also grappling with rising pertussis cases. The World Health Organization has warned about the implications of low immunization coverage, linking the resurgence of diseases like measles to gaps in population immunity.
Health authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination as the most effective way to protect individuals from pertussis and its potentially severe complications. However, the increasing number of vaccine refusals in Kazakhstan, driven by personal beliefs, religious convictions, distrust in vaccines, and misinformation, poses a significant public health challenge.
As the country faces a resurgence of pertussis and other preventable diseases, the need for education, awareness, and community engagement in promoting vaccination becomes more critical than ever. It is essential to address the root causes of vaccine hesitancy and ensure that children receive the necessary protection against dangerous infections like pertussis.
