Reflections on Public Health and Vaccination
So, please call me Maha!
I often find myself expressing my frustrations to family and friends about the harmful dyes and preservatives found in our food.
As a Democrat, I’m really supportive of the “make America healthy again” movement. It’s frustrating to see how comfortable pharmaceutical companies seem to be with government connections. It’s just naive to think that political donations haven’t influenced their ability to evade scrutiny over high prices and addictive substances.
This situation doesn’t end with just one issue. Remember the chaos around quaaludes and OxyContin? Both were FDA-approved, but while OxyContin is still on the market, it took a devastating impact of quaalude for it to be pulled after years. Thankfully, now there’s stricter control surrounding it.
But, I guess I could be accused of looking out for my own interests. I’m part of the 79% of Americans who believe, according to a recent Harvard poll, that children should be vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Interestingly, trust in vaccinations is at 66% among MAHA supporters, based on that same poll.
My complaints about prescription drug prices stem from genuine frustration. If my grandchildren aren’t vaccinated, that could pose a serious risk to my health. I might face dangers every day, just by being around young people—like shaking hands, or sitting close at family dinners or ball games. The potential spread of viruses and bacteria is alarming, especially for older folks like me with weaker immune systems.
And then there’s the divide created by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who seems to disregard the huge consensus on the efficacy of vaccines when, really, it’s the government’s duty to safeguard public health.
Kennedy has been casting doubt on established vaccine data, which inadvertently supports the notion that it’s okay to dismiss expert opinion. This, unfortunately, opens the door for those looking to profit off conspiracy theories and dubious “cures.”
The situation has deteriorated to the point where the Florida surgeon general proposed eliminating all vaccine mandates. I found that shocking. “All of them. All of them,” he stated, dismissing vaccine experts as if their insights are irrelevant. Such a comparison to slavery is historically inaccurate and deeply offensive. Does he genuinely want to compare roe vaccine mandates to the oppression faced by enslaved individuals?
This proposal also disregards the sentiments of 89% of Florida parents who advocate for children’s vaccinations, echoing the federal stance. It’s worrisome to think back to critical measles outbreaks in Texas over the years.
And, honestly, the thought of waiting for my next Covid vaccine is unsettling.
I made it through the Covid-19 crisis in 2020. I still remember the days I spent isolated in my hotel room, constantly worrying about my family and fearing for my life. As a Black man over 70, my risks are decidedly higher. Plus, my wife—a smoker—faces similar vulnerabilities.
Getting the next Covid shot feels essential for us as we approach the colder months. However, Kennedy has made it clear that Covid vaccines may no longer be recommended for many. Without governmental backing, insurance companies may not cover these crucial vaccines. That would place an undue financial burden on individuals—some might have to pay out around $200 per dose if not covered.
Moreover, Kennedy has let go of numerous government experts regarding vaccines, replacing them with skeptics. He also managed to remove CDC Director Susan Monares for not dismissing the vaccine outright.
An open letter from over 1,000 current and former HHS employees recently emerged, condemning Kennedy’s leadership and calling for his removal, indicating a strong desire for health policies grounded in science rather than political motivations.
It isn’t just one voice but resonating views from nine former CDC directors too, highlighting the need for HHS leaders to prioritize health and support scientific validity in decision-making.
Instead, it seems Kennedy is in a persistent conflict with public health trust—something that the government has a responsibility to uphold.
Of course, it’s vital to address issues like excessive sugar and salt intake. Those concerns matter. But undermining faith in experienced doctors and scientists? That can lead to devastating consequences.
