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Measles Returns: Child's Death Reveals Vax Hesitancy's Cost
27 Feb
Summary
- A child's death from measles in Texas marked the first in a decade.
- Parental vaccine hesitancy stems from fear, distrust, and misinformation.
- Empathetic conversations and trusted messengers are key to overcoming hesitancy.
In February 2025, a measles death in Texas marked the first in the United States in ten years, followed by another child's death and severe illnesses. The author, who was unvaccinated until age 23, explores the complex interplay of love and fear that drives parental decisions regarding vaccines.
Her mother delayed her vaccination due to concerns about vaccine safety and rushed medical advice. This led the author to question and eventually overcome anti-vaccine narratives through scientific study and trusted relationships.
Years later, as a new mother, she experienced her own hesitation, influenced by the stories she grew up with. Empathetic conversations with a friend helped her decide to vaccinate her child.
This personal journey illustrates that shaming parents is counterproductive. Instead, meeting concerns with empathy and relying on trusted messengers are vital for addressing vaccine hesitancy and protecting community immunity.
