Vaccinations More Important Than Ever

Southern California has recently become the epicenter of a national measles outbreak. The outbreak started shortly before Christmas at Disneyland and spread quickly. At least 99 measles cases since December were in California, state health officials say.

According to USA Today, scientists believe the growth of the disease is partially due to the large population of anti-vaxxers in southern California. Many parents refuse to vaccinate their children for various reasons, including believing the myth that vaccinations leading to autism. Although, evidence has proven this is false.

"Over the last two decades, extensive research has asked whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and autism," Rob Ring, a spokesperson for Autism Speaks, said. "The results of this research are clear: Vaccines do not cause autism. We urge that all children be fully vaccinated."

Now, schools have decided to fight against anti-vaxxers. Forbes reports that schools have begun to send students home and are unable to return for two to three weeks if they have not received their measles immunization shot. Many parents who choose not to vaccinate are upset but are not going to budge.

“There is absolutely no reason to get the shot,” said Crystal McDonald, whose 16-year-old daughter was one of 66 students sent home from school for two weeks because they did not have full measles immunizations. When her daughter, who was concerned her classes, asked if she could return after getting the vaccination, her mother refused. “I said, ‘I’d rather you miss an entire semester than you get the shot.’ “

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 644 cases from 14 different states were reported in 2014, and 2015 is not looking like it’s going to be any better. In January alone, more than 100 measles cases were reported.

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