Jenner and Pasteur would be turning in their graves...

I try to avoid overtly-'topical' issues; times change faster than catwalk fashions and there really is very little point trying to chase the wind.
Nevertheless, we all have our own little 'passions' and 'pet hates' and idiosyncrasies and it would be remiss of me not to cite my own. Vaccines. More specifically, the profound distaste I harbour towards the anti-vaccine lobby.
Is it not difficult enough for scientists to develop vaccines in the first place, for millions to perish for lack of treatment, for vaccine costs to price out those who really need them - is it not enough, I ask you - that now the vocal few seek to cast doubt over one of the scientific/public health advances that has done most to improve human health? Must the ravages of diseases like measles, polio or rubella once again stalk the West before these (I'm trying to control myself here) incomparable idiots stop their questioning of something that has most probably prevented their own deaths? They claim side effects, pharmaceutical/government conspiracies and more besides. Science panders to skeptics (i.e. the scientific community) and it is this approach to testing hypotheses that underlies the phenomenal work researchers undertake to bring vaccines to fruition. No, vaccines are not 100% perfect (no drugs are). I am driven mad with rage by the disgraceful actions of this idiotic few. This isn't an issue of more or less, it is one of life and death.

Patronising, paternalistic and authoritarian as I am, I would have compulsory vaccination written into law (with obvious exceptions - allergies etc). If you're too selfish that you won't protect yourself or your own child, at least spare a thought for the rest of the world - two words: herd immunity.