Reflections on Misinformation and Measles
By Kari Johnston, OYC Board Director
In an era where information is at our fingertips, it’s paradoxical that misinformation seems to have the upper hand, especially when it comes to public health.
As a communications strategist and a Board member for the One Yukon Coalition, I’ve witnessed firsthand the detrimental impact of misinformation on our community’s well-being – on my well-being, to be frank. As the manager for OYC’s social media accounts during the pandemic, at times, it was utterly exhausting trying to wade through the comment section, respond to genuine requests for information and manage the account for misinformation and posts from trolling accounts.
I worry about the impact of misinformation in our communities and how it impacts our ability to have good public health discussions. This leads me to today’s blog post about measles, a disease we thought was almost eradicated but is making an unwelcome comeback into communities.
Rising Concern of Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can have serious complications on one’s health, especially in children. The measles vaccine, a cornerstone of our public health, has dramatically reduced the incidence of the disease worldwide. In Canada, widespread vaccination has led to a significant decline in measles cases.
In 1998, measles elimination status was achieved in Canada, and yet, we’re witnessing a concerning trend: sporadic outbreaks in regions with low vaccination rates.
In recent years, Canada has seen pockets of measles resurgence. These are not random occurrences but correlate strongly with areas where vaccine coverage is not great. In Yukon, where we pride ourselves on community and mutual care, it’s crucial that we have a meaningful and engaging dialogue on public health issues.
Good Dialogue is at Risk
Recently, I have attended community events and casual conversations in my community, where the dialogue on vaccination is hostile. Being on the receiving end, it felt a lot like bullying. Myths and unfounded fears surrounding vaccines communicated in abrasive and confrontational ways put our ability to have good dialogue at risk. It’s a stark reminder of the power of words and the responsibility we carry in the information we share and consume. If you’re curious to learn more about having effective conversations about vaccines, I encourage you to check out this resource.
Protect Your Community
We at One Yukon are dedicated to empowering our community with reliable information. We firmly believe in the transformative power of dialogue and education to foster a healthier Yukon.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your community from the spread of measles. Click here to learn more about the vaccine and how to access it in the Yukon.
