OPINION:
The staggering number of children suffering from and dying from the current measles outbreak in this country is reprehensible (“Officials urge vaccinations amid Northwest measles outbreak,” Web, Jan. 28). This crisis in the American Northwest is not an isolated incident, and with no leaders taking the reins to end the torrent of misinformation responsible, it stands to reason that many more young people will fall victim to these completely preventable illnesses.
Our society has come so far and so many great people have devoted their lives to eradicating these diseases. Anti-vaccination paranoia is now a clear indication that our society has regressed. Even now, 20 years after the blatant lies about the MMR vaccine have been disproven, many parents still would rather put their own children and the children in their communities at risk of premature death than take them to the doctor’s office. With areas such as Clark County, Washington, having a meager 78 percent vaccination rate, those so critically dependent on herd immunity don’t stand a chance.
Suddenly these evils we thought we had left in the past are with us again, and our government is not taking enough action to ensure our safety. If the purpose of government is to protect the life and liberty of its citizens, why can’t our lawmakers guarantee that our children survive childhood to have the opportunity to experience that freedom? We need greater medical awareness for parents and stronger leaders advocating for immunization education if this generation is to have any chance at a future of its own.
CAROLYN SULLIVAN
Amesbury, Mass.
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