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Measles is back because states give parents too many ways to avoid vaccines
https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2019/2/16/18223764/measles-outbreak-2019-vaccines-anti-vaxThe era of religious and moral vaccine exemptions needs to end — and fast.
More than 120 people across the country, mostly small children, have been infected by the super contagious measles virus in ongoing outbreaks since January.
In New York City, the virus has been spreading since September among Orthodox Jews, some of whom reject vaccines because of unfounded safety concerns. In Washington, mistrust of health officials and pharmaceutical companies appears to be driving parents to opt out, leading to 65 cases. There are also cases in Texas, Oregon, and western and southern New York State.
These outbreaks will cost states and the federal government millions of dollars to contain. They’ll distract from other important public health programs. Most importantly, they’ll put people who can’t be immunized — newborn babies, kids with vaccine allergies — at risk.
But here’s the most frustrating part: This is all entirely avoidable. By 2000, thanks to the measles vaccine, the virus was declared eliminated in the US. It’s absurd that outbreaks have reappeared, yet there’s a single reason why: Too many states make it way too easy for parents to avoid vaccines on behalf of their kids. In other words, measles is making a comeback because of a policy failure.
Most of the people with measles right now weren’t immunized from the virus. They all live in places that permit a variety of nonmedical — religious or philosophical — exemptions from vaccines, a problem that recently caught the attention of the head of the Food and Drug Administration, Scott Gottlieb. “Some states are engaging in such wide exemptions that they’re creating the opportunity for outbreaks on a scale that is going to have national implications,” he told CNN. If “certain states continue down the path that they’re on, I think they’re going to force the hand of the federal health agencies.”
More than 120 people across the country, mostly small children, have been infected by the super contagious measles virus in ongoing outbreaks since January.
In New York City, the virus has been spreading since September among Orthodox Jews, some of whom reject vaccines because of unfounded safety concerns. In Washington, mistrust of health officials and pharmaceutical companies appears to be driving parents to opt out, leading to 65 cases. There are also cases in Texas, Oregon, and western and southern New York State.
These outbreaks will cost states and the federal government millions of dollars to contain. They’ll distract from other important public health programs. Most importantly, they’ll put people who can’t be immunized — newborn babies, kids with vaccine allergies — at risk.
But here’s the most frustrating part: This is all entirely avoidable. By 2000, thanks to the measles vaccine, the virus was declared eliminated in the US. It’s absurd that outbreaks have reappeared, yet there’s a single reason why: Too many states make it way too easy for parents to avoid vaccines on behalf of their kids. In other words, measles is making a comeback because of a policy failure.
Most of the people with measles right now weren’t immunized from the virus. They all live in places that permit a variety of nonmedical — religious or philosophical — exemptions from vaccines, a problem that recently caught the attention of the head of the Food and Drug Administration, Scott Gottlieb. “Some states are engaging in such wide exemptions that they’re creating the opportunity for outbreaks on a scale that is going to have national implications,” he told CNN. If “certain states continue down the path that they’re on, I think they’re going to force the hand of the federal health agencies.”
Sid
18 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
Good first post! 
I didn't realize the Russians were pushing the anti-vac propaganda. You do outstanding work! 
