Yelling “Fire”

Editor and General Manager

Fear is a powerful emotion. So is the desire to believe the narrative with which we are most comfortable. Behaviors such as ostracizing HIV sufferers or having a preference for the biblical time line for creation are the result of these forces. It’s why it's illegal to falsely yell “Fire!” in a public place. A lack of flames, smoke and heat are no match for the desperate behavior that terror can ignite.

So it should not be surprising that the paranoia—for that’s what it is—about vaccines causing autism and other mental health issues maintains traction in the public consciousness. With near-universal acknowledgment among health professionals and medical researchers regarding the benefits of immunization programs, to both individuals and the public as a whole, and no viable studies contradicting these results, fear-mongering and junk science still hold sway (see https://www.americanlaboratory.com/Blog/171161-Book-Review-On-Immunity-An-Inoculation/).

The current spread of measles in the United States has again brought the topic into the mainstream. Along with this comes commentary from those in the political class who seem to think that at the very least getting vaccinated should be voluntary. This view percolates most actively among prospective Republican presidential primary entrants. Those who study such things believe that it aligns with the “anti-government,” or “individual rights” sectors thought to be an essential part of the party’s base, an important voting bloc.

This is not helpful. In a complex world, it would be wise for the representatives of the people to follow the advice of those most educated about specific issues—in this case communicable diseases—when making policy or endorsing positions. This part is simple—Follow your doctor’s counsel. Anything else is irresponsible.

Steve Ernst is Editor and General Manager, American Laboratory/Labcompare; e-mail: [email protected].

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