Imagine for a moment a Disney World without vaccines of any kind. It has never before existed... [View all]

On October 1, 1971, Disney World opened its doors in Buena Vista, Florida. At the time, the U.S. was still landing men on the moon. The country was bathed in the benefits of scientific, technological and medical advancements stemming from our national curiosity and desire to pursue challenge - as JFK said - "not because it is easy, but because it is hard and will bring out the best in Americans."

Our best included numerous vaccines rolled out during the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's. The targeted diseases included smallpox, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella - all scourges that had taken their toll on countless Americans in past decades. By the time Disney World opened in the early 1970's though, all of these diseases were now themselves under attack. The number of Americans falling ill or dying from smallpox, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella was on the decline. And, a world class Magic Kingdom born of the imagination of Walt Disney debuted its wonders for children and adults alike, all of whom had access to vaccines, all of whom faced a few less threats to their well being.

But, now - due solely to the efforts of the Republican Party, the State of Florida and one rogue Kennedy - all of that has changed.