Vaccines are administered to us within hours of birth, every few months for the first year of life, and, for most, annually for the remainder of our childhood and adulthood. Vaccinations, whether for the flu, tetanus, HPV, or COVID-19, are critical in preventing the spread of mild to dangerous diseases. However, more than 20 years ago, in 1998, a former British doctor made comments that labeled vaccines unsafe and unnecessary. British doctor Andrew Wakefield has connected the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine to autism. Wakefield wrote a highly contentious paper in the renowned medical journal The Lancet, suggesting that the MMR vaccine can lead to autism. However, the publication was later retracted by the co-authors and the journal, and Wakefield’s medical license was revoked due to his fraud.
Although Wakefield’s study was retracted from the journal, the damage had already been done: the number of two-year-olds in England who had gotten the MMR vaccine had decreased by 80% in the years since Wakefield’s controversial article was published. Looking more into Wakefield’s article, it became clear he had motives for his claims. Wakefield was revealed in 2004 to be attempting to disclose his own patent for a measles vaccine while also being paid by lawyers who were filing lawsuits against the MMR vaccine’s developers for downplaying its negative effects. Wakefield’s study was retracted from The Lancet due to these reasons and other ethical issues, and he lost his medical license as a result. Today, Wakefield appears to have relocated to Texas, where he is still spreading his anti-vax campaign across the country.
Despite the fact that the link between vaccines and autism has long been disproven, individuals continue to be anti-vaxxers because they feel they can cause significant harm. A more recent instance occurred during the COVID pandemic when immunizations were made available to the public. Aside from the fact that some people were already dubious about vaccines, some feared the COVID-19 vaccine was particularly harmful because it was manufactured and distributed to the public so swiftly. The COVID-19 vaccination sparked numerous conspiracy theories, including claims that it was used to weaken immune systems, control individuals who received it via microchip, and even serve as the “Mark of the Beast” for religious people. Regardless of their rationale for refusing the COVID immunization, one group of individuals was more opposed to the vaccines than others: Republicans.
Republicans, particularly those who support the MAGA movement, were less likely to receive the immunization than individuals from other political parties. Also, Republicans over the age of 50 were less likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, which makes sense given the timing of Wakefield’s publication tying the MMR vaccine to autism.
It’s hardly surprising that many anti-vaxxers are Republicans, given how many prominent Republican personalities promote anti-vax efforts. For example, during the first year of the COVID pandemic, former President Donald Trump spoke out against obligatory vaccinations, claiming he “probably wouldn’t get a booster shot.” Instead of campaigning for the COVID-19 vaccination, Trump makes the potentially harmful suggestion that people “inject disinfectant” into their bodies or use UV light to combat the virus. Many Republicans and anti-vaxxers promote hazardous notions and conspiracies about immunizations and why people should avoid them. However, it was later revealed that Trump privately received the booster shot after catching the virus, contradicting the propaganda he was spreading against the vaccine (which he most likely pushed for Republican support).
Today, some groups remain skeptical of vaccinations, both in terms of their safety and necessity. Although the theories surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine have subsided, some people continue to harbor suspicions and espouse anti-vaccine attitudes. While many people continue to obtain critical immunizations and bring their children in for them, there will always be individuals who argue against the need for vaccines. Many schools, primarily public, require students to receive specific vaccines to remain enrolled; however, there may be exceptions to this rule, such as religious convictions or medical reasons. However, in a world full of viruses and ever-changing bacteria, there is a great need for vaccinations for both adults and their children, and it is critical not to accept every article or politician when it comes to such essential issues.
