Café Inquiry Grand Rapids – IN PERSON – Why is Childhood Vaccine Reluctance Rising?

A recent Gallup poll reveals a very disturbing trend. Only 69% of Americans believe childhood vaccination is either extremely or very important. This is a marked contrast from 2001, when the percentage was 94%. Interestingly, this trend seems to be wholly driven by Americans aligned with a particular political party. Join us IN PERSON at the next Café Inquiry as we discuss this poll in some depth. We’ll also take a look at the vast public health benefits of childhood vaccines and try to figure out why vaccination has become so politicized. In addition, we’ll look at the anti-vaccine movement and take a stab at debunking some of the myths they promote. For background, this Vox article gives a good overview of the benefits of childhood vaccines. This piece from VeryWell Health looks at the history of the anti-vaccine movement and reveals how their tactics have changed very little since the 18^th century. There are also a number of links to useful related information imbedded within. Hope to see you IN PERSON on Sunday, September 8 for what promises to be a spirited and informative discussion!

Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.

Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.

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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.

Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.

Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.