Anti-vaxxers rally on Beacon Hill against vaccine mandates
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Deehan here, back with Spill of the Hill, my column unraveling Massachusetts politics.
Massachusetts is the second-most-vaccinated state in the country, but there's still a burgeoning anti-vax movement here that's pushing Beacon Hill lawmakers to loosen standards and mandates.
Why it matters: Activists echoing some of Trump administration Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s debunked claims about vaccines have found some support in state government.
- Hosted by Republican lawmakers, they held a State House rally last week to urge for more parental choice when it comes to what vaccines Massachusetts children receive.
Driving the news: The groups Health Rights MA and Children's Health Defense organized the event at the State House, notably in the building's Nurses Hall that's dedicated to battlefield lifesavers.
- They came to challenge the state's mandatory immunization requirements alongside families who say they've experienced adverse reactions to vaccines.
It wasn't the usual crowd of liberal activists who regularly make pilgrimages to the State House to ask the Democrat-controlled Legislature (usually unsuccessfully) to move state policy more to the left.
Merchandise tables at the event sold books about Big Pharma and Anthony Fauci and volumes by and about RFK Jr.
- A children's book titled "I'm Unvaccinated and That's OK!" by Shannon Kroner was on display.
- There were shared platters of catered cold-cut wraps, fruit and desserts.
The groups want to establish religious and personal exemptions for all vaccine mandates beyond the current limited list of shots.
- They're also asking lawmakers to limit the governor's emergency health powers, like those exercised by former Gov. Charlie Baker to shut down schools, enforce curfews and close public spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What they're saying: "Public health policies meant to help are in fact hurting people, and it's time to course-correct," Julie Booras of Health Rights MA told WWLP at the event.
- The "Faces of Vaccine Injury" event came soon after the Healey-Driscoll administration doubled down on maintaining robust vaccine access in the state despite potential federal policy shifts.
The big picture: Massachusetts finds itself at odds with federal recommendations as the Kennedy-led Centers for Disease Control suggests reduced COVID-19 vaccine availability.
The other side: State health officials maintain the evidence-based approach to vaccinations is still the most scientifically sound.
What's next: Healey has pledged continued vaccine access regardless of federal recommendations, setting up the potential for more state-federal conflicts.