The modern anti-vaxxer movement, explained

By Luis Velarde
The Washington Post 

The following video was previously posted on The Washington Post.

Despite evidence that vaccines are safe and effective, the anti-vaccination movement is gaining strength. Scientists are concerned about a measles resurgence after the disease was "eliminated" in the United States 20 years ago.

In this video, Houston pediatrician and Texas Medical Association member Peter Hotez, MD*, explains the consequences of anti-vaccination efforts in wake of the current measles epidemic.


Additional notes from TMA:

• A majority of children who died from preventable diseases such as the flu and Human Papillomavirus (HPV)  were too young or too sick (immune-compromised) to receive the vaccine.
• The HPV vaccine is not a required vaccination, which is considered a key reason why HPV vaccination rates are low, and it may not be covered by all insurance plans.
• Both boys and girls are strongly advised to get the HPV vaccine. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommends two doses of the HPV vaccine: the first one starting at age 11-12, the second one 6-12 months after the first dose.
  

*Dr. Hotez is also the dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, and co-director of the Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development.