Public Health Survived the Pandemic. Now It Fights Politics.
Briefly

In Louisiana, the surge of seasonal flu cases and a measles outbreak raise alarms for public health, exacerbated by a political shift under Gov. Jeff Landry. Following the Covid pandemic, Landry's administration, skeptical of vaccine policies, appointed a state surgeon general who dismissed mass vaccination. Dr. Jennifer Avegno of the New Orleans Health Department warns this change leaves Louisiana vulnerable to future health crises, as exemptions to vaccination requirements surge among schoolchildren. Avegno highlights the concerning trend of prioritizing personal autonomy over community health, indicating a precarious future for public health preparedness.
Dr. Avegno stated that Louisiana's shift in public health policy, particularly against mass vaccination efforts, makes the state dangerously vulnerable to future health crises.
Gov. Landry's restructuring of Louisiana's public health system, including the appointment of a state surgeon general, reflects a significant shift from previous responses to health crises.
The doubling of vaccine exemptions among Louisiana schoolchildren highlights a growing trend against vaccination that worries health officials as they prepare for future health threats.
Dr. Avegno's perspective points to the consequences of political decisions on public health preparedness, raising alarm over the state's ability to manage rising health threats.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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