To be filled with fury at increase in measles cases

[GivenAndDenied]

We've had a letter sent round my DD school recently, telling us of an increase nationwide, and in our county, of measles, and offering advice on what to do to protect children.

I get that there are some children (and adults) who cannot be vaccinated for genuine health reasons relating to other existing health conditions. And my fury is absolutely not aimed at them. If everyone else is responsible and vaccinates their kids, then these vulnerable members of our society who cannot be vaccinated will be hopefully protected by herd immunity.

But it makes me furious that because of people listening to woo and bollocks about vaccines, that we are having an increase in life-threatening illnesses, and getting letters about how best to protect your children. How best to protect your children is to goddamn vaccinate them.

But no one really has a right to tell anyone else what to do with regarding vaccinating.

No. We can however point out when those people are misinformed or are spreading misinformation. We have the right to think - and say - that they are being foolish.

It's the old, if you're so convinced vaccines work why are you so bothered about the small % who don't?

I am bothered by those who are campaigning to increase the number of the unvaccinated through misinformation and untruths. I am bothered about those who can never be vaccinated for medical reasons. I am bothered about those too young to reach maximum protection from vaccinations. I am bothered about those in whom the vaccinations are not as effective as they are in the majority of people. And I am bothered about the children whose parents choose not to protect them for spurious reasons, and who are not able to make their own choice.

Herd immunity protects all of those people. I don’t want to see it chipped away by lies.