Mark Zuckerberg Takes Baby Max To Get Vaccinated — and Sparks Debate

Image by Getty Images
Mark Zuckerberg took newborn Max for her vaccinations the other day and caused a national stir when he posted a father-daughter photo on — where else? — Facebook.
“Doctor’s visit – time for vaccines!” the founder of the social media giant wrote, garnering 3 million likes and 70,000 comments.
Doctor’s visit — time for vaccines!
Posted by Mark Zuckerberg on Friday, January 8, 2016
“I love that you are promoting vaccines!” wrote Raluca Sander. “There is so much confusion on that topic out there and it causes too much harm.”
“Thank you, Mark Zuckerberg for not only creating this social media platform so that I may advocate for vaccines, but thank you for being a public health advocate yourself!” wrote Angela Quinn.
But for the small but very vocal group of Americans who question the safety of childhood vaccinations — believing the shots are behind some diseases and developmental disorders — the Facebook founder’s picture meant war. “Poor baby,” wrote Steve Schneider on Friday. “Forget those natural immunities we got the good stuff right here in this syringe.”
The Centers for Disease Control fully backs the series of vaccines that most kids get today and have nixed any link with conditions like autism.
Zuckerberg, followed by more than 48 million on his social media platform, sparked an outcry in February of last year after endorsing the non-fiction book “On Immunity,” which explores the vaccination debate in America.
“Vaccination is an important and timely topic,” Zuckerberg wrote in a Feb. 18 post. “The science is completely clear: vaccinations work and are important for the health of everyone in our community.” — With Reuters
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
