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Texas Is Now the "Center of the Anti-vaxxer Movement"

MediC Pix
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Alamy Stock Photo

In recent months Texas has launched itself into the center of the anti-vaxxer movement.

According to a new report by Science magazine, the Lone Star state is us quickly becoming a battlefield in the war between those who support childhood vaccinations and those who claim they’re dangerous.

The number of Texas schoolchildren who haven’t been vaccinated against childhood diseases is growing rapidly. As a result, experts worry that the state may see its first measles outbreaks next winter.

Meanwhile, a slew of vaccine-related bills have been introduced, and anti-vaxxers have been pushing lawmakers to change law to accommodate their wish to not vaccinate their children.

Peter Hotez of the Baylor College of Medicine says Texas is now the center of the debate over vaccination. And Anna Dragsbaek of the Immunization Partnership says, “There is a big fight coming.”

Credit Martin Enserink / Science
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Science