Measles in Hildale: A Community Divided on Vaccines and Trauma
In the tight-knit community of Hildale, Utah, few people discuss vaccinations openly, especially with outsiders. However, when measles arrived, the town's low vaccination rates proved disastrous.
The twin towns of Hildale and Colorado City have long been home to members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS), a Mormon sect that practices polygamy. In recent years, vaccination rates in the area have fallen significantly, with many residents believing that vaccines are bad or that they contain toxins that prevent reproduction.
When Warren Jeffs, a charismatic leader who now sits in prison for child abuse, became the FLDS prophet, his rhetoric against vaccinations gained traction among community members. They began to rely on alternative treatments, such as cod liver oil, which have been shown to be ineffective against measles.
The recent outbreak has brought a sharp increase in vaccinations, with 14% more people getting vaccinated between July and September this year compared to the same period last year, according to the Southwest Utah Public Health Department. However, Arizona's vaccination rates remain on par with those of 2024.
As residents struggle to cope with the measles outbreak, some community members are grappling with a traumatic past. In the 1950s and 2008, federal authorities forcibly removed children from their families in an effort to determine if they were being abused or neglected. This experience has left many with deep-seated fears of authority figures.
Former FLDS member Gloria Steed, who now has two vaccinated sons, believes that vaccines have saved her children's lives. She notes that trust in the medical system is essential for effective vaccination rates.
"The vaccines are working," she said. "It's been a blessing to see that."
However, Steed also acknowledges that her experiences as an FLDS member have left her with skepticism towards mainstream medicine. Her perspective highlights the importance of listening to individuals' concerns and addressing misinformation effectively.
As the measles outbreak continues in Hildale and neighboring areas, the community must confront its past and re-evaluate its approach to vaccination. With the recent resurgence of measles cases, it is clear that trust in vaccines and a willingness to listen to scientific evidence are crucial for the well-being of these communities.
In the tight-knit community of Hildale, Utah, few people discuss vaccinations openly, especially with outsiders. However, when measles arrived, the town's low vaccination rates proved disastrous.
The twin towns of Hildale and Colorado City have long been home to members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS), a Mormon sect that practices polygamy. In recent years, vaccination rates in the area have fallen significantly, with many residents believing that vaccines are bad or that they contain toxins that prevent reproduction.
When Warren Jeffs, a charismatic leader who now sits in prison for child abuse, became the FLDS prophet, his rhetoric against vaccinations gained traction among community members. They began to rely on alternative treatments, such as cod liver oil, which have been shown to be ineffective against measles.
The recent outbreak has brought a sharp increase in vaccinations, with 14% more people getting vaccinated between July and September this year compared to the same period last year, according to the Southwest Utah Public Health Department. However, Arizona's vaccination rates remain on par with those of 2024.
As residents struggle to cope with the measles outbreak, some community members are grappling with a traumatic past. In the 1950s and 2008, federal authorities forcibly removed children from their families in an effort to determine if they were being abused or neglected. This experience has left many with deep-seated fears of authority figures.
Former FLDS member Gloria Steed, who now has two vaccinated sons, believes that vaccines have saved her children's lives. She notes that trust in the medical system is essential for effective vaccination rates.
"The vaccines are working," she said. "It's been a blessing to see that."
However, Steed also acknowledges that her experiences as an FLDS member have left her with skepticism towards mainstream medicine. Her perspective highlights the importance of listening to individuals' concerns and addressing misinformation effectively.
As the measles outbreak continues in Hildale and neighboring areas, the community must confront its past and re-evaluate its approach to vaccination. With the recent resurgence of measles cases, it is clear that trust in vaccines and a willingness to listen to scientific evidence are crucial for the well-being of these communities.
... I mean, can you believe that some people actually think cod liver oil is gonna save them from getting sick? Like, what's next? 
Anyway, I do get why some folks might be skeptical about vaccines, especially if they've been misinformed or have had bad experiences with the medical system. But at the same time, it's crazy to see how a charismatic leader can spread misinformation and get people on his side 
... And poor Gloria Steed, her experience as an FLDS member must be super traumatic for her and her family... I hope she's doing okay, and that her boys are safe and healthy 
... It's really interesting to see how communities can come together (or not) when it comes to something like this vaccine stuff 
! I mean, come on, measles is a viral infection that's been around for centuries and vaccines have literally saved countless lives. The FLDS community needs to get over their conspiracy theories and trust the science 
. And yes, their history of being forcibly removed from their families by authorities has left them with trauma, but that shouldn't affect their ability to make informed decisions about vaccinations. It's all about education and critical thinking 
. If former member Gloria Steed is saying vaccines are a blessing, then I'm all for it! Vaccination rates are way up in Hildale now, so maybe this outbreak will be the wake-up call they need 
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It's heartbreaking to see a community like Hildale struggle with something as preventable as measles. The low vaccination rates and misinformation about vaccines have led to this situation, and it's scary to think what could've been if people had gotten vaccinated earlier.
Measles outbreak is just another example of how vaccine hesitancy can be devastating 
. I've seen friends' kids get sick because they didn't vaccinate, and it's heartbreaking 
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. Her story highlights the importance of listening to concerns & addressing misinformation. We need more people like her who are willing to have tough conversations & educate themselves 
The fact that some people believe vaccines contain toxins that prevent reproduction is just mind-boggling 
But I'm glad to see some residents like Gloria Steed speaking out and sharing their experiences 
It's all about education, trust, and listening to each other's concerns 
We need more people like her who are willing to have tough conversations and challenge the status quo 