When Private Choices Affect Public Health
Editor's Note: A longer version of this piece originally appeared on Loura's private blog. Several years ago, my state outlawed public smoking. As a non-smoker concerned with…
My Baby Had Measles: Mobius Update
Earlier this year my 4-month-old son Mobius was part of the Disneyland measles outbreak. It’s been a stressful ordeal, but he’s been recovering beautifully. He…
Protecting Baby Before He is Born
We got our flu vaccines before I found out I was pregnant. Our provider had their flu clinic in September, and we all went. It’s…
Measles and My Sister
At the end of February 1960, my sister, a precocious, healthy child was halfway through the fourth grade in Rockland County when she contracted measles…
I Grew Up in an Anti-Vaccine Cult
My parents were brought up listening to the radio broadcasts and reading the literature of the Worldwide Church of God, a cult/fringe religion that was…
My Baby Has Measles
The last week has been such a whirlwind. It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that the very first time my four-month-old son…
Why Measles Outbreaks Terrify Me
Measles is running rampant in California. It’s all over the news—and not just local news, national news as well. As a parent of an immunocompromised…
We Can Be Complacent No More
If you are measles, 2015 is treating you well, thanks in large part to vaccine hesitancy. As of this writing, there are nearly 60 cases…
To Those Opposed to Vaccinations
When I was five, I got whooping cough (pertussis). It was horrible. Aside from nearly dying, I couldn’t stop coughing. I have a vivid memory…
Coming Soon to a Theater Near You
Vaccine-preventable diseases are making a comeback in the US, and community immunity may be at risk. Less than 20 years ago, measles was declared eliminated…