In recent months, there has been a growing push among some political figures and online movements to roll back vaccine requirements, reflecting a broader rise in vaccine skepticism across the country.
But despite those national currents, the La Plata County Public Health Department’s message hasn’t changed: vaccines remain one of the most effective tools for keeping the community healthy.
LPCPH continues to encourage residents to stay up to date on their immunizations and to bring their questions forward.
“What we do in public health is serve as the place where people can come ask questions without judgment if they’re skeptical,” said Theresa Anselmo, the department’s director.
That reassurance comes amid renewed national debate over vaccines, amplified by figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long promoted claims questioning vaccine safety.
In October, COVID-19 vaccines were removed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended immunization schedules for everyone – a decision some public health officials have opposed. And in September, federal advisers voted against authorizing a combination shot for children under 4 that would have protected against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, though recommendations remain in place for the vaccines given separately.
Experts have warned that the spread of vaccine misinformation – particularly online – can discourage people from seeking routine immunizations. Anselmo said she understands why people have questions, but emphasized that vaccines are carefully studied before approval.
“There are a lot of untruths circulating on the internet,” she said. “But vaccines are critical to the health of individuals and the larger La Plata County community.”
Vaccines like the COVID-19 shot undergo extensive testing and review before they’re recommended, Anselmo said. The scientific rigor of that process gives her confidence as both a health care provider and a scientist.
“I completely understand and relate to the skepticism people have in research,” she said. “But people owe it to themselves to trust their health care providers, doctors and nurses – and to ask questions.”
Vaccine development has 100 years of research behind it, Anselmo said. She also pointed to meta-analysis, a quantitative statistical method that combines and analyzes data from many separate but similar studies on the same topic, like a certain vaccine, to find a pooled result.
Meta-analysis is the gold standard of scientific evaluation – and is employed heavily when determining the safety of a vaccine, Anselmo said.
As colder weather pushes people indoors, respiratory illnesses tend to rise, Anselmo said, making vaccination even more important. LPCPH has already seen a small uptick in COVID-19 cases this fall compared with previous years.
“It never hurts to come in and get your shots,” she said.
LPCPH accepts all insurance, and for individuals who are unable to afford routine vaccinations, the clinic can provide them for free.
While the decision to vaccinate ultimately lies with individuals or parents, Anselmo said it’s one that affects everyone.
“There are people in our community who, through no fault of their own, have no immune system,” she said. “Think about your 6-month-old grandchild who hasn’t yet received most of their recommended vaccinations. In the case of something like measles, that baby could easily die or suffer lifelong consequences if infected.
“When people get vaccinated, the whole community is healthier and able to thrive,” she said.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
