Roundup: Exemption rates, Health-care workers, and Shingles

Some stories and perspectives in the news of late:

• "Parents claim religion to avoid vaccines for kids: Vaccination fears fuel increase in exemptions sought, AP finds" -- This AP story published late last week received significant attention in newspapers around the country. The key finding of their analysis is this: "From 2003 to 2007, religious exemptions for kindergartners increased, in some cases doubled or tripled, in 20 of the 28 states that allow only medical or religious exemptions, the AP found." The story includes reaction from Paul Offit, Barbara Loe Fisher, and others.

• "Inoculate thyself" -- This op-ed in the New York Times, written by an epidemiologist at the New York City Health Department, raises yet another alarm over low influenza vaccination rates among health care providers. The author argues that hospital accreditation and federal funding should be tied to improving staff vaccination rates, and until then, patients should refuse care from physicians and nurses who have not been vaccinated.

• "A vaccine as an option to keep shingles at bay" -- Also from the New York Times, this story from early October introduces readers to shingles, its treatment, and prevention options, namely, the potential benefits of Zostavax. The piece feels more like an informational article from WebMD than a story published in the nation's most respected newspaper, but a useful overview regardless.