Vaccination and the Stubbornness of Myths

Between the perfect image of Mickey Mouse, now associated with an outbreak of measles, and the blunders of certain Republican politicians, the current measles epidemic that is striking our neighbors to the south is taking on the air of a Hollywood saga, on a par with the legendary sense of spectacle of Americans.

Even though the situation isn’t as alarming on our side of the border, there are still four confirmed cases of measles in Toronto and 10 in Lanaudière. Let’s remember that this is an illness that was supposedly eliminated in the Americas back in the year 2000, even if in 2011, Quebec had its own epidemic.

I am one of the people for whom the refusal of vaccinations is an aberration. Scientific data speaks for itself, and there is no objective or rational reason to discredit this prevention tool. How, then, can we explain the stubbornness of myths that eat away at it: certainly, by the beliefs that keep those who oppose vaccination going, and which are deeply rooted in a system of belonging and identification that rests exclusively on emotions, and where reason doesn’t have the right to speak.

Incidentally, Brendan Nyhan, American professor of political science, published a study in April 2014 in which he shows that parents’ attitude in regard to vaccination, whether favorable or not, doesn’t budge an inch, even after they were exposed to objective scientific data, to the list of dangers that the avoidance of the vaccination make possible, and to photos of children who came close to death because of measles.

That goes to show that Dr. Wakefield’s deceptive study associating vaccines with autism, the rumors linking the Hepatitis B vaccine to multiple sclerosis, and the doubts surrounding the additives used in the flu vaccine H1N1 have triggered a dread that has spread with epidemic speed, before grabbing the minds and beliefs of certain people in the form of myths and conspiracy theories.

Pharmaceutical companies are, of course, businesses with the goal of making money, whose activities are motivated, namely, by corporate and economic interests. But from that to a conclusion that there is a conspiracy, in which pharmaceuticals, scientists, doctors and governments are in league, would be going too far, given that immunization is one of the most studied and tested medical interventions, and lots of data about its safety, effectiveness, functioning and impact have been inventoried.

Education, the Solution

Some solutions to the stubbornness of myths and beliefs? Coercion is not an option; that would only heighten the hostility to vaccination. Education, especially a solid training in biology and hard sciences, can contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiological concepts at the roots of vaccination. Governmental authorities would also be well advised to act with transparency and independence in their relationships with pharmaceutical companies, as well as in matters of politics in public health.

Moreover, we would be wise to remember that beyond these myths, vaccines protect us against serious and potentially fatal illnesses. Last year, in an influential paper, the journalist Mylène Moisan talked about how a common flu virus threatened the life of her son, who was otherwise in good health. [“That Only Happens to Others,” La Presse+, Jan. 19, 2014.] Her touching account had a powerful effect on papa bear, who never again grumbled about my decision to vaccinate the tribe every year.

Finally, in this day and age when self-determination and exercise of individual liberties come before considering the consequences of our decisions on society, maybe we could adopt a collective vision, lend a hand, close our eyes, and take a deep breath …