Herd immunity is the key to healing in troubled times

When I got my COVID and flu vaccines earlier this year, it didn’t just feel like a health-conscious choice, but a civic duty. 

Over the last decade, we’ve increasingly seen how the rise in mis- and disinformation on social media platforms have fueled political polarization and vice versa. This has made even small, personal decisions like getting a flu shot take on some weighty political significance.

There are many factors contributing to the rise of the anti-vax movement, including a lack of media literacy, ignorance around the scientific method, and an industry-backed marketing campaign to sow doubt on our best tools for disease prevention in favor of snake-oil alternatives.

We see these same trends rearing their ugly heads with climate denial — scorn against science and lobbying from fossil fuel companies to promote sticking our heads in the sand while their executives and shareholders reap the short-term profits.

Most of us got into health because we want to help people. But it’s hard to do that when our most vulnerable populations lose access to healthcare and food assistance, when federal regulations on pollution are stripped away, when the mechanisms to support research and oversight on medical advancements are eliminated, and when our expertise is blatantly disrespected.

As individuals, this is a losing battle, but you are not alone. There is power in numbers, and that’s where MiCCA comes in. 

Our goal is to sift through the noise, keep you informed of the most pertinent developments, consult our members for expertise, and bring your health voices to the forefront of public policy discussions. 

We are resolved to rise to the challenges up ahead, but we also need your support in achieving our goals this Giving Tuesday. 

This will ensure we can further grow as a coalition of health professionals.

You can give a tax-deductible gift to MiCCA by donating via our PayPal, or mailing a check to MiCCA, PO Box 411, Williamston, MI 48895.

Connecting herd immunity to the climate movement

While I would likely fare just fine without a flu shot, the choice to get vaccinated isn’t just for my own sake.

We recognize the role herd immunity plays in keeping the public at large healthy. We know that disease incidence is lower when more people are immunized, creating a protective buffer for the most vulnerable people who can’t get vaccinated.

Fortunately, we have numbers on our side because I believe the majority of people want a healthier, more sustainable future. And the more who are willing to pitch in — even when some can’t — the closer we are to achieving that vision.

I hope you consider the ways you can practice herd immunity beyond vaccinations, whether that means volunteering in your local community or donating to causes you believe in. 

Thank you for your dedication and support!