In a recent article in ULaval News, Professor Eve Dubé examines the origins and possible consequences of recent decisions made in the United States regarding vaccination programs and public health.
A recent Washington Post poll reveals that one in six American parents delay or refuse to vaccinate their children, with half of respondents expressing mistrust of public health authorities. Dr. Eve Dubé links this trend to the influence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services in the United States. His anti-vaccine positions legitimize doubts and erode trust in public institutions, amplifying hesitation already fueled by the pandemic.
In Canada, although vaccination rates remain stable, there is concern about rising mistrust and outbreaks of preventable diseases (such as measles). Dr. Dubé stresses the importance of distinguishing between legitimate hesitation and radicalization, while insisting on the need to strengthen scientific communication. Vaccination, a balance between individual choice and collective responsibility, must be preserved to avoid a decline in public health on both sides of the border.
