Louisiana Health Department Leaders Censor Public Health Experts
I like to talk… especially about science, public health, public policy, social justice, and community engagement. [I also like to talk about books, movies, music, and food.] But I found myself nearly speechless when I read this headline: “Louisiana forbids public health workers from Promoting COVID, flu, and mpox shots.” If it were April 1 instead of the end of December, I would have assumed it was a joke.
No joke. In a series of meetings, a high-level official in the Louisiana Department of Health informed its staff of a new policy: The Department and its staff could no longer advertise or otherwise promote COVID, flu, and monkeypox vaccines. This included sending out press releases, giving interviews and presentations, creating social media, holding vaccine events, and even putting up signs in the department’s clinics that these vaccines were available on site. A virtual gag order. Which, interestingly, would not be put in writing.
When stunned staff asked about the rationale, they were told that the Department was shifting away from paternalist, one-size-fits all guidance in favor letting individuals make their own choices.
Lots of coverage about this public health failure, e.g., here, here, here, here.
Choice – Or Better Yet – Informed Choice
Sure, individuals can choose whether or not to get vaccinated, and there may be legitimate reasons to forego the jab. Hopefully, the choice will be informed by what science tells us and what the vast majority of medical and public health professionals know:
Vaccines are one of the most effective and safest public health tools available.
Vaccines are a scientifically proven and safe tool to combat the spread of deadly viruses.
Doctors overwhelmingly support vaccines as one of the most effective and safest public health tools available.
Healthcare organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and World Health Organization (WHO) consistently reinforce the importance of vaccination for public health.
Take vaccines out of our public health toolbelt, and the outcome of a viral outbreak could lead to widespread public harm or death.
Bottom Line to This Short Blog That I Couldn’t Resist Writing
We are already awash in disinformation, false claims, and conspiracy theories – from voter fraud, rigged elections, and climate change. Add vaccines to the list. “Political science” has taken on a whole new meaning. Censoring science and scientists is a perilous and pernicious business – in this case for the health of Louisiana’s residents. I suspect many are surprised, dismayed, worried and already calling their health plan, or their city, county, and state representatives to protest this reckless action. Or the Louisiana State Medical Society.
This is exactly the kind of scientific integrity issue that SciLight was created to bring to light. Louisiana’s ban is just the latest example, and I fear we will see more. So be on the lookout. Our children, families, and communities deserve science-based information, not political talking points.
You can read more about debunking vaccine myths here, here, and here.
That’s it for today - Thank you so much for reading SciLight!
If you enjoyed today’s post, please like it or share it with others. You can also support the work we do to shine a light on the politicization of science by becoming a paid subscriber!
If you want to share today’s post as a web page with your network, click this button:
If you have suggestions, questions, comments, or want to drop us a line - send it all to scilightsubstack@gmail.com