Article shared by Robert Cohen
Summary
The article highlights concerns in the US about potential changes under a new administration that has shown skepticism toward scientific evidence. The article points out that in the US states rather than the federal government control vaccine policy. It also points out that the vast majority of Americans - 88% - still believe in the value of routine childhood vaccines, and a surprising 90% of US adults got the first COVID shot. At the same time the support for vaccine mandates has shifted along political lines, as has the demand for vaccine exemptions.
The author analyzes the current state of vaccination support, the role of state and federal governments in vaccine policy, and the potential impact of vaccine exemptions on public health. The author also discusses possible changes to vaccine regulations by federal agencies such as the FDA and CDC, which could affect the availability, accessibility, and safety of vaccines. The article concludes with a call for evidence-based decision-making in the face of increasing misinformation and skepticism surrounding vaccines.
So very revealing — and worrying.
ReplyDeleteInfectious diseases don’t see borders, but politicians do.
Just like the veto power at the UN enshrined in the UN Charter 80 years ago, some of the powers given to federalism as enshrined in the US Constitution 250 years ago are now so utterly outdated (e.g. electoral college, gun laws, infectious disease, environmental concerns, etc.) for today's interconnected and borderless world.
And politics and religion make a toxic mix - whether in Afghanistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia....and US too.