ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 5340
DON’T WAIT VACCINATE COMMITTEE (DWV)
 
The year was 1994; infant immunization rates had fallen to 50% in the United States, the lowest in the world.  Rotary International sent a directive out to establish District committees to educate and raise community awareness. By 1997, the compliance rates nationally and locally in San Diego had reached 75%.  Today, a recent San Diego County survey shows a rate of 80.6% compliance for children aged 19-35 months of age.
“Fast Forward” 24 years to 2018, and the District 5340 Don’t Wait Vaccinate Committee, established in 1994, still meet monthly and is active raising community awareness and educating all age groups.  In the past 12 months, committee members have made 20 presentations to Rotary Clubs, libraries, high schools, community groups, college classes, and the San Diego County Immunization Coalition Spring Summit.
 
The 2017/2018 “flu season” was the worst San Diego County has experienced in years.  Be sure to get your flu shot this year. If not for yourself, do it for the children and others who are not able to receive a vaccination due to allergies or other medical reasons – be someone who helps maintain “herd immunity” in your community.
 
There is still “polio” in the world; and as Dr. Richard Coutts, PolioPlus Chair says, an epidemic in the United States is only “one plane ride away.”   Recently, a new case was discovered in Papua New Guinea.  Until polio is eradicated, there is a chance for this devastating disease to spread throughout the world.  
 
As Chair of the Don’t Wait Vaccinate Committee, I’d like to invite you to learn more about immunization.  Diseases we have not seen in years are making their way back, such as measles, whooping cough, and diphtheria.  There are new vaccines being introduced and others being developed.
 
The members of the Don’t Wait Vaccinate Committee are available to make presentations at your Club meetings, and other venues.  Try us next time you have a speaker cancellation.   I promise – it will be interesting, enlightening, and fun! 
 
Contact Cheryl Wilson at (619) 239-6900 or projectmanager@stpaulseniors.org