Don Sapatkin

Although it’s not likely to pass, at least not this year, opponents say the proposal is already accelerating the spread of false claims and sowing distrust of physicians.

Global polio eradication efforts have reduced cases of the deadly disease by 99.99% in 35 years. Yet it continues to circulate in over 30 countries. The most dangerous form is endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan, where it seeds outbreaks elsewhere.

Increasing numbers of adults are getting vaccinated at pharmacies. But many states limit pharmacists’ ability to immunize children. Pharmacist participation in the federal Vaccines for Children program is even more restricted.

Vaccination rates are struck below levels needed to eradicate measles. Members of three generations of a family with expertise in vaccines propose a novel approach to improving measles vaccination rates. It could include a whistle.