Conspiracy theories - real and imagined - exert a virtually unparalleled grip on the public imagination. Many simply sell improbable books or over-hyped Netflix series. Anti-vaccination conspiracy theories, however, pose a threat to children and vulnerable adults around the world. Speculation about nefarious plots veer from the plausible to the … [Read more...] about Anti-vaccination movement show the damage conspiracy theories can do
vaccination
The continued fight against polio
In 2016 an event took place in global health which failed to make major headlines. Over a two week period over 150 countries simultaneously changed their currently used polio vaccines to one deemed more efficient. The move is a demonstration of the concerted efforts of countries across the globe - and a testament to the efficiency and … [Read more...] about The continued fight against polio
Vaccination laws in EU nations set to cause conflict?
Consistently lowering levels of immunisation coverage amongst Europeans -- spurred on by vaccine scepticism -- is prompting some EU nations to introduce laws legally enforcing the vaccination of children. Public confidence in vaccination is currently lacking, with many parents in Europe opting out of having their children vaccinated. This … [Read more...] about Vaccination laws in EU nations set to cause conflict?
Measles outbreaks in Europe: anti-vaccination movement to blame?
The anti-vaccination movement tends to be thought of as an American phenomenon. Such views have a strong hold in Europe as well - and are posing an increasing challenge to public health across the continent. The movement is hampering progress towards elimination of the measles virus, says the World Health Organization (WHO) in a recent press … [Read more...] about Measles outbreaks in Europe: anti-vaccination movement to blame?
Donald Trump’s stance on anti-vaccination
Worrying reports have surfaced regarding Trump’s new healthcare secretary and his views on anti-vaccination. Tom Price now heading a department backed by a budget of over $1 trillion USD, is a member of a group that describes mandatory vaccination as “equivalent to human experimentation”. The group itself, the Association of American Physicians and … [Read more...] about Donald Trump’s stance on anti-vaccination
Britain’s medical press: a tabloid mentality or a tool in bargaining by doctors?
In yet another messy spat, a leading British journal has had to promise to investigate findings that it had originally published along with a blast of press releases and self-important interviews. This is the latest in a long series of mistakes by both the BMJ and The Lancet that generated headlines at first and embarrassment later. Why do the … [Read more...] about Britain’s medical press: a tabloid mentality or a tool in bargaining by doctors?
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