Vaccine Critics Turn Defensive Over Measles

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/31/us/vaccine-critics-turn-defensive-over-measles.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&hp

The measles is making a come back after having been eliminated from America fifteen years ago.  An outbreak that started at Disneyland in California.  Parents with an anti-vaccine stance are blamed for the recent spread.  The anti-vaccination movement comes from parents who want their children to be raised with all natural substances and no toxins, i.e. vaccines and was spurred by a 1998 medical study that showed a link between autism and vaccines.  Later this was proven false, but those who reject vaccines still do so based on this belief or religious beliefs.  Many don't understand the anti-vaccination stance as it not only causes children to come ill for completely preventable diseases, but it has a much larger impact than the individual as shown by the current measles spread.  Certain populations, such as young infants, are unable to receive vaccinations and those who choose not to vaccinate are a large risk for such populations.  For these populations, measles can transform into a deadly disease.  Due to the recent scare, un vaccinated children have been required to stay home from school in certain areas.  It is evident that vaccinations impact more than the individual, but is a matter that can have strong effects for the larger community.

Marissa Holaway