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FORT MYERS, Fla. – August is National Immunization month. Immunizations are in the news this week with three new articles. Dr. Annette St. Pierre-Mackoul stopped by the studio to join WINK News This Morning. Vaccine Sharply Curbs Chickenpox Cases in US: Varivax became available in 1995. Second dose recommended n 2006. Before 1995: 4 million cases, 11,000 hospitalized, 150 deaths yearly After 2012: 93% fewer hospitalizations, 84% fewer office visits. Herd Immunity has occurred. —————— Vaccine Combo Promising Against RSV Infection: RSV kills 200,000 young children worldwide each year! Severe respiratory illness in infants that lasts 6-8 weeks. Most children are infected by age 2 yrs. old. Symptoms: mild cold to severe breathing difficulty. Only Malaria kills more children under 1 yr old. ————– More on RSV: US: 10,000-15,000 deaths in seniors per year. Having RSV does not give immunity New vaccines is through phase 1/3 trials for approval. Novavax is showing promise for future prevention. ————- Survey: More Parents Accepting Vaccine Use: Fewer parents are refusing vaccines, esp. Western US. 67% increase in vaccine acceptance in last year. Increase seen in same states that had the measles outbreak in 2014. Fear seems to be the main driver in the increased rate. Laws will be changing. —————– More on Parents Accepting Vaccine Use: All states require school children to be vaccinated. 18 states let parents opt out based on religious or philosophical beliefs. Oregon = 7%, Vermont and Idaho = 6.1% in non-vaccinating. Society has lost perspective on these diseases. Myths perpetuate despite scientific evidence to the contrary.