Topic: Politics
by MPeriod
Posted 2 months ago
The Wall Street Journal's editorial board has urged Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reconsider his stance on vaccinations, especially in light of a recent outbreak in Texas. Currently, 48 cases of measles have been confirmed, primarily among unvaccinated children.
The board expressed skepticism about RFK Jr.'s nomination and emphasized that he has transitioned from an activist to a government official. They stated, “Now the best-case scenario would be for Mr. Kennedy to internalize that he is no longer an activist outsider who needs to take provocative potshots to get attention.”
Measles is highly contagious, with the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases reporting that up to 90% of those who come into contact with an infected person may contract the disease. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, all infected children are either unvaccinated or have uncertain vaccination statuses.
The editorial highlighted falling vaccination rates among kindergarteners. In the U.S., vaccination coverage against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) has dropped to 92.7% for the 2023-2024 school year. Federal health authorities aim for 95% immunization coverage to maintain herd immunity.
The Journal's op-ed pointed out that the return of measles is detrimental, stating, “the tragedy is that this doesn’t have to keep happening.” They underscored the importance of addressing misinformation about vaccines, particularly as Kennedy, known for his skepticism, shifts focus to chronic illness instead of infectious diseases.