If your child gets the measles this school year, blame the Russians.
Dr. Peter Hotez of Baylor University College of Medicine, the state's pre-eminent vaccine and infectious disease specialist, says he is very concerned with a new George Washington University study blaming the Russians for doing more than simply meddling in politics, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Hotez says the study concludes that Russian activists have been posting articles and fake news stories on social media boosting the completely discredited conspiracy theory that common 'back to school' vaccines lead to autism and other serious conditions.
"What we have now seen is widespread declines in vaccine coverage in parts of Texas," News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
1200 WOAI news reported earlier this month that the number of Texas schools which are reporting parents 'opting out' of mandatory back to school vaccinations is up sharply this year. Ironically, it is the wealthier suburban parents who appear to fall for this scam, with districts like Alamo Heights in Bexar County reporting higher opt out rates. The highest in the state, for example, is a private school in Austin where tuition begins at $16,000 a year.
Hotez says the Russian campaign is part of an effort by Kremlin-connected actors to decay support for major institutions in the U.S., including the medical profession.
"Now after this news comes out, it makes me wonder if there is a piece of Russian interference," he said. "They (the anti-vaxxers) always appear to be very well funded, and this is probably why."
Hotez and other scientists say any 'debate' over the efficacy of vaccinations plays into the 'anti vaxxer' movement, by making parents, especially parents with an autistic child in the family, believe there is still a serious discussion on the issue.
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