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.
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