New York State Health Department’s Polio Vaccine Campaign Stirs Controversy

Anti-Semitic Ad Draws Criticism from Jewish Leaders

The New York State Health Department found itself in hot water after a mobile truck campaign used an advertisement that was perceived as anti-Semitic by leaders of the Orthodox Jewish community. The ad in question featured a message that read, “Polio is spreading in Israel. Get Immunized Now” and was sent to neighborhoods with a significant observant Jewish population in Long Island.

State Assemblyman Ari Brown spoke out against it, saying that the ad was reminiscent of a historical trope used to blame Jews for spreading disease. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman also expressed his concerns over the wording of the ad and how it could be interpreted as anti-Semitic rhetoric.

Fortunately, the Governor and the Health Department quickly acknowledged their poor judgment and removed the controversial messaging from the campaign.

Polio Vaccine Campaign for Passover Travelers Discontinued

Adding to the controversy surrounding the Health Department’s polio vaccine campaign, officials have now discontinued it following complaints by some members of the Jewish community. The original campaign aimed to raise awareness about positive polio cases in Israel and urged New York Jews traveling there during Passover to get vaccinated before they leave.

However, critics like Assemb. Ari Brown say that it perpetuates an old trope used by Nazis who blamed Jews for spreading polio. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman agreed, saying that many people felt uncomfortable with the wording on billboards.

As a result, state officials pulled the campaign ads immediately after receiving feedback indicating that some people may have been interpreting them as blaming communities themselves for the spread of polio.

Polio Virus Detected in Hudson Valley Wastewater

In other news related to polio, state officials confirmed that they found traces of the virus in wastewater samples taken from Hudson Valley. They said that the detection came many months after a single positive result was found in February. While the results show that poliovirus is still present in the area, Rockland County officials are urging residents who are not vaccinated to protect themselves against it during Passover travel.

Adults who completed their polio vaccine series as children may be able to get a one-time booster dose if they’re at risk of being exposed to the virus. The county remains focused on getting unvaccinated or under-vaccinated residents up-to-date on their four-dose polio vaccine series, particularly infants and preschool-aged children.

The Health Department is offering free polio booster clinics at one of their regular immunization clinics. New York residents who need the Inactivated Polio Vaccine may schedule an appointment by calling the Health Department.

A Swift Response from the Health Department

In light of the controversies surrounding its polio vaccine campaign, the New York State Health Department assured its diverse communities of its commitment to serving them and strongly condemned anti-Semitism. The department’s quick response to criticisms regarding the mobile truck advertisement shows its willingness to take feedback seriously and make changes when necessary.

As for those concerned about polio in Hudson Valley, state officials have said they will continue monitoring the situation and update accordingly.

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