Faith Wangermann - Measles outbreak and vaccinations

In an article published by the New York Times, Kirk Johnson writes about the Measles outbreak in Portland, Oregon, and the drama surrounding vaccination rates. He writes about a mother who had refrained from vaccinating her son due to possible side effects, but in the wake of the recent measles outbreak, decided to go to the vaccination clinic and get the vaccine so he can participate in group activities without fear of infection. In Oregon, the percentage of residents who decline vaccination for non-medical reasons is the highest in the country-7.5%. At least seven schools in the state have vaccination rates that are lower than some developing countries, like Guatemala. Unvaccinated kids rely on other kids to be vaccinated so they don't get infected, but the safest way to prevent preventable diseases is to just get the vaccination. The claim that vaccines give kids autism has been debunked and is barely an excuse. The refusal of some parents to vaccinate their kids is similar, in a way, to the opposition to teaching evolution in schools. When parents cling to their beliefs and ideals and imprint them onto their children, they prevent their kids from getting valuable knowledge, or in this case, protection.