EDITORIAL: Immunization foes should understand results of choices - Muskogee Daily Phoenix

Ever since a left-leaning online website indicated Gov.-Elect Kevin Stitt empathized with parents who oppose mandatory vaccinations, the issue has re-emerged at the forefront. Stitt says he had his children vaccinated, and sees no reason to change current state laws, but the fact that the allegation was used against him in a pejorative fashion is telling.

Like "climate change," the science behind vaccinations against potentially deadly diseases, though once widely accepted, has again evolved into a source of suspicion and controversy. That means it's also become a political football. But that doesn't necessarily have to be the case.

NPR reported 291 Oklahomans died during the 2017-2018 influenza season, and 4,810 were hospitalized. Several deaths have been reported for this season, which got underway last month. But according to health officials, the vast number of such deaths are preventable — especially this year, because the flu vaccine is more effective than the one used last year. Does the vaccination cause the flu? Some people claim it does, although doctors and scientists insist it doesn't. They say people who feel puny after getting the shot were either already sick to begin with, or are having a minor reaction to the serum. They say the risks of the flu itself far outweigh the risks of the vaccination.

But what about other types of shots, like for mumps and measles? Do they cause autism in children, as some opponents - often called "anti-vaxxers" - suggest? That theory has been debunked; there is no evidence children develop autism after receiving shots. However, there are always risks associated with any vaccination, or any medication. There's not a drug or procedure on the planet that might not have ill effects for a few, especially since for every substance invented, there's bound to be a human being who is allergic to it.

Parents have the right to opt out of vaccinating their children. But other parents also have a right to expect that their kids will be reasonably protected from diseases that may be spread by others who don't get vaccinated — which is why in Oklahoma, schools have policies dealing with that topic. Tahlequah Public Schools, for instance, requires children to receive certain shots before they can start classes. But state law allows exemptions for medical, religious or personal reasons. A parent seeking that exemption must complete a form and take it to the school.

While there is no penalty for parents or guardians who obtain exemptions, unvaccinated children are at greater risk of catching diseases and might be excluded from school for the duration of any outbreak.

There have been cases at local schools wherein unvaccinated children — especially after becoming ill — were sent home until doctors certified them well. In at least one case, the parents became indignant and demanded their child be allowed to return to class. Those demands fell on deaf ears, because the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, especially when it comes to the public domain.

For now, at least, parents who are convinced vaccinations are dangerous shouldn't be forced to subject their kids to shots. But that decision comes with consequences, and they should also be ready to take their kids the route of home- or private schooling. In the meantime, parents who accept the prevailing science should make sure their kids' shots are up to date, just in case.

By the way, openly ridiculing those on one side or the other only breeds more hate and distrust, and it won't change any minds. Calm, rational persuasion might work — but then again, maybe not.

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