Fort Worth’s Mercy Culture: Celebrating Low Vaccination Rates Amid Measles Outbreak
In a surprising move, Fort Worth’s Mercy Culture is proudly celebrating the lowest measles vaccination rate in Texas. This comes at a critical time as the state grapples with a significant measles outbreak, with nearly 160 cases reported.
Mercy Culture’s Bold Stance
Landon Schott, pastor of Mercy Culture Church, took to Instagram to laud MC Prep, the school affiliated with his church, for its low vaccination rates. “Shoutout to MC Prep for being the least vaccinated school in Texas!” Schott exclaimed in a video posted on Wednesday. This bold stance has sparked controversy, especially given the current measles outbreak situation in Texas.
Despite attempts by The Dallas Morning News to reach Schott for comment, there has been no immediate response. Similarly, Mercy Culture’s media director and a representative from Mercy Culture Preparatory declined to comment when approached.
The Numbers Behind Mercy Culture Preparatory
According to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services, Mercy Culture Preparatory, a K-12 private school adjacent to the church, boasts a mere 14.3% MMR vaccination rate. MMR stands for measles, mumps, and rubella, three diseases that can be prevented through vaccination.
Mercy Culture Preparatory is not alone in its low vaccination rates. It is one of six North Texas campuses where less than 50% of kindergarteners are vaccinated. Five of these are private schools, while the other is a public charter school.
Contrasting Views in the Community
While Mercy Culture celebrates its low vaccination rates, other churches in the Dallas-Fort Worth area have taken a different approach. For instance, in 2021, Dallas megachurch The Potter’s House served as a mass vaccination site for the COVID-19 vaccine, encouraging congregants to get vaccinated.
The Measles Outbreak in Texas
Texas is currently facing a severe measles outbreak, with state officials reporting nearly 160 cases as of Tuesday. This outbreak has led to 22 hospitalizations and tragically, one unvaccinated child has died. The situation underscores the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of this highly contagious virus.
Schott’s Message of Freedom
In his video, Schott emphasized the value of freedom, particularly in health and religious matters. “I just want to congratulate all of the family members of MC Prep that embrace freedom of health and they’re not allowing government or science projects to affect how you live and lead your life,” he stated. “Freedom is something we take seriously — religious freedom, freedom of our health.”
Texas Vaccination Requirements and Exemptions
Texas law mandates that both public and private school students receive two doses of the MMR vaccine. However, parents can apply for an exemption based on “reasons of conscience,” which includes religious or personal beliefs against immunization.
The Importance of Herd Immunity
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known, spreading primarily among unvaccinated individuals. For a community to achieve herd immunity against measles, 95% of its population must be vaccinated, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Local Health Officials’ Response
In response to the outbreak, officials from the Dallas County Health and Human Services have urged parents to check their children’s immunization records and schedule vaccinations if necessary. This call to action comes as the community seeks to curb the spread of the virus.
Political and Community Reactions
State Rep. Nate Schatzline, R-Fort Worth, who represents the district including Mercy Culture Church, expressed his support for the school’s stance on social media. “I’ve gotten word that my children’s school has been ranked the #1 most unvaccinated school in Texas & I’m upset… …that we haven’t celebrated sooner!” Schatzline wrote on X.
Schatzline, who is also a pastor at Mercy Culture, reiterated his stance when approached by The Dallas Morning News for further comment.
Social Media and Public Discourse
Schott continued to engage on social media, posting on X, “Don’t let spiritually unhealthy people tell you how to be healthy!” Later, he reposted a message from another account praising Mercy Culture Preparatory’s low vaccination rate, which argued that traditional thought is averse to such freedom.
The account also mentioned Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been criticized for spreading misinformation about vaccines. In a recent Fox News opinion piece, Kennedy emphasized that the decision to vaccinate against measles is personal but acknowledged the importance of vaccines in preventing the spread of the disease.
Conclusion and Call to Action
As Texas battles a measles outbreak, the stance of Mercy Culture and its affiliated school raises important questions about vaccination, public health, and community responsibility. The situation in Fort Worth highlights the ongoing debate over vaccination and the need for informed decision-making.
For more information on the measles outbreak in Texas, you can visit www.dallasnews.com. We encourage readers to stay updated on this critical issue and join the conversation on how to protect our communities from preventable diseases.
This story was sourced from www.dallasnews.com.
