disease

We sincerely hoped that we'd never have to remind you the importance of getting vaccinated, but here we are. Washington state declared a state of emergency yesterday in light of 35 recently confirmed cases of measles, a highly infectious disease that can be fatal in young children - and easily prevented with the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. News reports cite anti-vaxx communities as a major catalyst in the spread of the disease. 

While most of us are high-key freaking out about the epidemic, many anti-vaxxers are remaining calm about the ordeal, claiming that refusal to get the vaccine can improve their child's immune system. We hope we don't need to explain why this logic is completely insane, but for anyone in your life who does in fact need a little refresher on the importance of vaccines, be sure to direct them toward this educational comic!

Everyone on social media knows that one annoying anti-vaxxer or proponent of "alternative medicine," and it sucks even more when that person is related to you. This Imgur user has an unfortunately dumb cousin who typed up a very misguided comment on Facebook. Luckily, a logical soul was there to provide some rationality!

Oh look, a completely preventable disease is on the rise once again, and this time it's reared its ugly face in New York City. Come on, WTF people...it's kind of surreal that in 2019 we're still having to convince some that the measles vaccine is safe, effective and doesn't cause autism. Accordingly, the city of New York will require unvaccinated individuals to get the MMR vaccine or pay a $1,000 fine.

 Many outraged individuals have taken to Twitter to express their frustration with the anti-vax movement, and we're here for the sass that's ensued.

It's easy for the internet to mock anti-vaxxers. We hear a lot of conspiracy theories - and you very rarely hear of a one-time anti-vaxxer that has since reformed. This Reddit thread, instead of pushing the buttons of current believers, is looking for insight on what exactly changed the minds of former anti-vaxxers. It's definitely eye-opening, though we wish there were more contributors.