Numerous states in the country have reported outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles and whooping cough, while with the new protocols for the COVID-19 vaccine, far fewer people will have access in the fall.

At the same time, the future of a crucial program, the President's Emergency Plan for the AIDS relief through antiretroviral therapy remains uncertain.

During the videoconference “The Resurgence of Preventable Diseases” organized by American Community Media (ACOM), several experts spoke about the factors that explain the increase in preventable diseases.

Vaccine Skepticism

Dr. William Schaffner, professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, said that vaccination has reduced or eliminated many diseases in the United States, such as polio, diphtheria (whooping cough), chickenpox, measles, and neonatal tetanus.

“New parents’ awareness of vaccines has generated skepticism and an anti-vaccine movement that has resulted in the postponement of vaccinating children. This means that very young children in particular are susceptible to these diseases.”

That’s how it was,” he said, “that we’ve had a major measles outbreak in West Texas, where a distinctive population of conservative Mennonites lives, guided by a conviction in God’s plan.

“What we’ve seen is over 1,000 cases of measles, with many children hospitalized with complications like pneumonia, and the deaths of two children and one elderly person.”

He said that before the measles vaccine in the 1960s, between 400 and 500 children died each year from measles and its complications, and they had reduced that number to zero by this year.

“Measles is a vicious disease, and it has spread to other parts where the Mennonite population lives, such as northern Mexico and Canada.”

He added that they have also seen other measles outbreaks in the country unrelated to West Texas.

“They’re occurring in middle-class and well-educated people, either because they lack knowledge, because they’re not afraid of the disease, they’re worried about the vaccine and want to lead a more natural life, without anyone telling them what to do, coupled with their lack of trust in conventional medicine and pediatricians.”

The benefits of vaccines

“If infectious diseases have been a big problem for this country in the past, they could be again in the future.

“Consider how much of the modern world we enjoy is possible because of vaccination; take all the days you save from not going to the hospital, all the days you can take care of your children. These are gifts of the modern age and of vaccines. Specifically, the current push to limit access to vaccines goes against what will make America stronger.”

He noted that this is something that lacks scientific support and is scientifically disconcerting.

“Scientists, of which I count myself, are dedicated to reality. We're not in the business of hopes, dreams, or anything like that. At this point, there's no valid reason for vaccine resistance, at least on a scientific level."

New COVID-19 vaccine protocols

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, professor of medicine and director of the immunocompromised host infectious diseases program at the University of California, San Francisco, said there has been a radical change in many aspects of the COVID-19 vaccines, specifically the mRNA ones.

"It is expected that the next version, which will be launched in late August or early September, will be a new vaccine."

He said it will now only be available to those 65 and older, or those younger than that age with morbidity.

"There are no indications as to how vaccination will be for healthy pregnant women and the infant population, including those under two years of age, in whom severe cases of COVID are still being seen."

He specified that the year Last year, there were 150 pediatric deaths from COVID.

“The other nuance is that there is no occupation-based eligibility criteria for vaccines, like healthcare workers; and if they are healthy and under 65, they would not have access to the vaccine.”

She said there is a lot of confusion among people right now.

“If you call Walgreens or CVS, they will probably give you an appointment. Kaiser and others won't change their guidelines until it's official.But the fact that federal leaders are saying this is going to happen is very confusing to people; and I'm worried it will lead to less demand for the vaccine in the fall because people will be worried about getting hit with a bill.”

HIV Therapy

Dr. Jirair Ratevosian, an associate research scientist at Yale University, said the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), one of the most impactful global health programs ever created, which began in 2003 under President George W. Bush, saved 25 million lives and helped control HIV in more than 50 countries around the world.

“It’s compelling evidence that American leadership can drive change on a global scale.”

In essence, he said, PEPFAR provides antiretroviral therapy to people living with HIV.

“More than 21 million people have received HIV treatment worldwide because of PEPFAR and the support of the American people. It's primarily a daily pill that suppresses the virus, saves lives, and stops HIV transmission."

However, when the new administration took office, it announced a 90-day pause in foreign aid, including PEPFAR.

"Because of this executive order and other delays in Washington, this has directly affected the global response to HIV. More than half of PEPFAR programming remains suspended and is no longer operating."

But it also excluded support for HIV prevention programs that are the backbone of controlling the epidemic.

Therefore," he said, "without treatment, viral suppression is lost, transmission increases, and lives are put at immediate risk."