How Anti-Vaccine Sentiment Took Hold in the United States

I think this is a predictable response to a healthcare system characterized by rent seeking and monopoly. People want to exercise greater choice and feel their autonomy is threatened when they have little diversity of options but are financially responsible nevertheless.

To be clear, I'm not antivaccine, and personally make them a priority for myself and family (although I am opposed to mandatory vaccines). I just think that the antivaccine movement, along with things like the supplement industry and recent cannabis legalization efforts are almost inevitable when people are put in a system with few real options and a lot of control. There's pushback, skepticism, and exaggerated response.

Come to think about it, it's funny that we're mystified at all by people exerting a critical eye on something, and expect them to just go along. There has to be a better way.

It's bizarre to me to expect people to unquestionably accept vaccines when their generic drugs are being tainted or poisoned, and they can't afford anything else.

The US healthcare system is the only system in the world that bankrupts people for receiving medical care. We constantly hear how we’re getting charged many times more than other countries for the same health services.

Is it really surprising that large segments of the population distrust the medical community? I’m actually one of those people.

Luckily I realize the difference between valid research that has over 100 years of proven effectiveness like the research behind vaccines, versus the type that’s done so there can be a new ad to “ask your doctor” about on TV.

A lot of people generalize and can’t tell the difference. If we want to fix that maybe we should fix the system first.