Tragically, two children in England have died from measles this year, with one succumbing to acute measles and the other to its late effects, marking the first such fatalities since 2018. This concerning trend coincides with over 100 new reported cases in the last fortnight, bringing the total to 736 for the year, with the majority affecting unvaccinated children aged 10 and under. These deaths underscore the serious and potentially fatal nature of measles, a highly infectious illness, and emphasize the critical importance of ensuring children are up-to-date with their MMR vaccinations for optimal protection.
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It’s certainly an interesting development when a nominee, particularly one for a significant public health role, appears to shift their stance on a critical issue like vaccination. The news that a nominee for Surgeon General, who previously seemed hesitant, is now advocating for measles vaccination brings to light a rather peculiar situation.
This recent declaration regarding the measles vaccine feels like a significant backtrack from earlier positions, or at least, a perceived one. Before this, there was a notable lack of clear endorsement for a vaccine that has been a cornerstone of public health for decades. It’s as if we’ve been transported back in time to a period where such basic health recommendations weren’t even a point of contention among health officials.… Continue reading
A measles outbreak has hit the Short Creek community, located on the Utah-Arizona border, with 161 confirmed cases. This is the second-largest outbreak in the U.S. this year, fueled by low vaccination rates, similar to the West Texas outbreak impacting Mennonites. The community’s history includes government raids, a former leader (Warren Jeffs) who spread misinformation about vaccines, and the disruption of health care systems, which has contributed to vaccine hesitancy. However, as the outbreak continues, there has been a noticeable increase in vaccination rates, demonstrating a shift in attitudes towards immunization within Short Creek.
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Reflecting on the topic of climate change denial and its connection to low COVID-19 vaccination rates, I’m struck by the unfortunate reality that nearly 15% of Americans still deny the existence of climate change. This statistic, though seemingly low compared to the majority who do acknowledge climate change, is still cause for concern. It shows that a significant portion of the population is unwilling to accept a scientifically proven phenomenon that poses grave risks to our planet and our future.
The connection between climate denialism and low vaccination rates is troubling, suggesting a broader skepticism of science within this group of individuals.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood