It’s not news that the anti-vaccination movement attempts to justify its position by misrepresenting and falsifying science. But as authorities boost measures to contain some of the worst measles outbreaks in recent decades throughout Europe, USA, the Philippines and now Australia, anti-vaccination advocates have added the exploitation and distortion of history to their subterfuge: in a move that has incurred the wrath of the international community, they have co-opted of the yellow Star of David, emblazoned with the words “No Vax”.
Measles is a serious and dangerous disease. During a significant outbreak within a largely unvaccinated Jewish community in Rockland County, New York, an emergency quarantine was recently declared. Despite an immediate increased uptake in vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella, a New York state judge temporarily blocked the declaration following protests by anti-vaccination parents.
Within days, the commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene declared that residents and daily transients within the vicinity who were not vaccinated needed to get the MMR vaccine. Failure to comply could result in a $US1000 fine.
Challenged twice, this order was upheld by a New York Supreme Court judge and a restraining order requested by anti-vaccination parents was denied by the appellate court.
Read the article by Dr Sue Rodger-Withers PhD and Professor Robert Booy in The Sydney Morning Herald.