Not a Gleek? Then tune in to UNC-TV for a very interesting Frontline episode "The Vaccine War" (9 tonight).
It's a clear-headed, one-hour look at the debate surrounding vaccine safety. That debate is between parents and activists (and parent activists) and the public health community. There are the parents who are opting out of vaccinations for fear that they are excessive and unnecessary, and the parents who believe there is a link between vaccinations and disorders like autism.
Scientists, on the other hand, say that the studies show those links don't exist and worry about the re-introduction of long dormant or preventable diseases at rates no longer seen.
The episode visits Ashland, Oregon, one of the least vaccinated places in America, a cause of concern to the Centers for Disease Control and local pediatricians. In another segment, Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey (who recently split) make an appearance. McCarthy's son was diagnosed with autism after his MMR shot (measles, mumps, rubella) turning her into an activist who forcefully believes vaccinations are linked to the condition.
There's also an exploration of how social media has helped the activists disseminate information (and sometimes misinformation) and shape this debate.
What "The Vaccine War" makes clear is that this isn't just a debate for parents. Vaccinations are a communal effort; 'herd immunity' protects all of us from getting sick. When that's eroded, we're all affected.
Assistant Features Editor Adrienne Johnson Martin would like to have her life turned into an animated cartoon. 
