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A Texas Republican lawmaker responded to tweets from a prominent scientist on immunization exemptions by accusing him of "witchcraft" on Tuesday.
Peter Hotez, professor and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, tweeted a link to a report showing that Texas recorded a 14% increase in the number of parents who withdrew from imposed vaccination obligations by the state.
The state's representative, Jonathan Stickland (right) retaliated, accusing Hotez of being redeemed.
"You are bought and paid for by the greatest special interest in politics," wrote the Fort Worth legislator. "Do a favor to our state and take care of your business. Parental rights are more important to us than your rewarding "science". "
You are bought and paid by the greatest special interest for the policy. Do our favor and take care of your business. Parental rights mean more to us than your rewarding "science". # the university
– Jonathan Stickland (@RepStickland) May 7, 2019
Hotez responded that he did not "take a penny from the vaccine industry" and that as a "Texas pediatric scientist", vaccine exemptions are "most definitely my business" .
Stickland answered a few minutes later, calling the profession of Hotez "witchcraft".
"Advocate your case against wizards," he tweeted. "Like all other companies, stop using the heavy hand of the government to make your business profitable through mandates and immunity." It's disgusting.
Present the arguments of your witchcraft to consumers on your behalf. Like all other cases. Stop using the hands of the government to make your business profitable through mandates and immunity. It's disgusting.
– Jonathan Stickland (@RepStickland) May 7, 2019
Stickland did not immediately respond to a request for comment on his interaction with Hotez.
Many states, including Texas, allow parents not to vaccinate their children for personal or philosophical reasons, while all states have medical exemption laws.
These exceptions have been criticized during the current US measles epidemic, which experts say may be partly attributed to the anti-vaccine movement.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 764 measles cases were reported this year in the country, more than double the total number of cases last year. The epidemic comes 19 years after measles was declared eradicated in the United States.
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