[Vicky.]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

I think Facebook / Social Media is a sociological disaster in general and "junk science" is absolutely also a huge problem, but really that's a totally separate issue, and the answer to the problems created by those things is not (in my opinion) to just "grab more control and force people to do the right thing anyway".

Agreed 100%.

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

I do think a big part of the problem is poor perception of risk. E.g. The major death risk of a vaccine reaction is anaphylaxis but your kid is literally at much greater risk of that very thing the first time they encounter a peanut or get stung by a wasp than the first time they get a vaccine but people don't give it a second thought.

They're also at greater risk every time we strap 'em into a car but again, parents who are terrified of vaccines do that every day with a smile.

But again IMO we don't help this poor risk perception with "scary myths" designed to force people to vaccinate, it just furthers the perception of the human body as unpredictable and fragile, and that actually is part of what puts people off vaccines in the first place, ironically.

Also agreed (even though I know one of these one in a milion kids..which DID make me a bit more hesistant). As I said, that reaction can come from anything, however, it really doesn't help matters that medical professionals apparently do not tell parents of the miniscule risk of it, and actively argue with parents who know this risk and tell them that no, it never happens!

I used to argue with anti-vaxxers all the time and honestly, its like arguing with a religious zealot. They utterly refuse to listen to any reason, think you are actively trying to hurt their kids..and honestly it reminds me a bit of a cult at times. I don't waste my time anymore, but quite how..stuck in it they are is quite scary. As I said, Wakefield has a ****ing hell of a lot to answer for and really should be in prison..though what charge, I don't really know! Being struck off really isn't enouh for someone like him, a gastroenterologist who is suddenly an expert on vaccines and spreads dangerous myths that will remain forever...