To the editor:

On June 19, Sen. Roger Marshall told a town hall in Ellinwood that he does not think it is beneficial for young, healthy adults to be vaccinated for COVID-19. On Oct. 22, Marshall told a gathering in Topeka opposed to vaccination that he had “no words” to change the minds of people who are unvaccinated. It is true he has no words because he actively advises us to not get vaccinated. 

On June 11, the American Medical Association said 96% of physicians were vaccinated with more planning to be vaccinated. Marshall said the only way to convince unvaccinated people to get the shot is through individual conversations with their doctor or pharmacists. He told the Topeka gathering that we should consult with our doctors to decide about vaccination. He did not ask if anyone had actually consulted their doctors or what their doctors advised was best before they decided to not get vaccinated. For Marshall, even ignoring his own minimized public health advice is just fine. 

Marshall defended himself to Topeka reporters, noting he was part of a public service announcement with other doctors in Congress that urged people to get vaccinated. But as his meetings in Ellinwood and Topeka show, he has no problem advising us to do exactly the opposite. For Marshall, public health and our heritage of straight talk evaporate when there are political points to be scored.

John Sturn

Ellinwood