The Tribune recently ran a KFF Health News article about the rise of measles outbreaks that documents the trauma introduced into communities and medical facilities that affects doctors, nurses and newborns because the unvaccinated mothers do not want their babies vaccinated.
Seeing lives adversely affected by the disease is heartbreaking because their trauma is so unnecessary. Vaccine safety and effectiveness have improved over the years since 1955, resulting in the newest mRNA vaccines.
The science of antibodies and immune response is relatively simple in its basic concepts. Anyone who has taken a biology class should understand why they work and how much safer they are for our health than getting measles, which is highly contagious, potentially fatal, and can require hospitalization. It also can have severe complications like pneumonia and brain swelling.
The article describes how polygamist communities like Hilldale have run from scientific principles, and shows how anti-science influencers have affected Utah’s residents and spread vaccination fear and distrust. The result takes our society back in time before measles and polio were declared eradicated.
It also notes how dishonest government officials and politicians have made it more difficult for many individuals to distinguish between what is true and what is false, especially if they don’t have the time or inclination to do their homework.
Our country is led by a pathological liar who is supported almost unconditionally by most Utah Republican leaders who seem more motivated by power and money than supporting Utah’s values.
Critical thinking, logic, honesty, discussion, kindness, responsibility and decency matter, because we all share this earthly spaceship together. Our society can make progress when everyone strives for the knowledge necessary to make wise choices.
Scot Morgan, Salt Lake City