A measles outbreak has reached 400 cases this year, with most unvaccinated children in West Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma being affected. Meanwhile, a Minnesotan visiting Washington, DC, has been confirmed to have measles, despite being fully vaccinated.
The US government is now investing in a new federal effort to study the potential link between vaccines and autism, led by vaccine critic David Geier. Despite lacking a medical degree or advanced science degree, Geier will lead the investigation. Critics argue that this approach is misguided, as it starts with an assumption of a causal relationship rather than conducting scientific research.
Recent studies have shown that routine childhood immunizations are below prepandemic levels three years after the COVID-19 pandemic began. A CDC study found that vaccination rates for select vaccines had dropped significantly, particularly among Black children and those on Medicaid. These findings suggest demographic factors may be contributing to barriers in accessing vaccine care.
As measles continues to spread across the US, experts caution against spreading misinformation about vaccines. They emphasize the importance of evidence-based research in understanding vaccine safety and efficacy.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/dc-warns-major-measles-exposure-hhs-names-geier-study-autism-and-vaccines