Instagram users have some harsh words for a Texas pastor celebrating his Christian church private schools, who have the lowest vaccination rate against measles in the state amid the deadly outbreak of the highly contagious virus.
Mercy Culture Church Pastor Lead Landon Shot posted a video on the platform on Wednesday, praising the K-12 prep school.
“I want to congratulate all the MC Prep families who embrace freedom of health. They don’t allow government or science projects to influence the way you live and lead your life,” Shot told more than 47,000 Instagram followers.
“I know that the whole world was shut down insanity and people were fired from their jobs,” he said, “for forced vaccinations.”
Shot’s comments, shared by multiple news outlets, have led to criticism from other social media users.
“The absolute nuts you brag about this, you’re an uneducated person who the administration loves to hurt so much,” user @sheeeshmayne told Instagram.
“It’s not something you’re proud of. Doesn’t God want you to take every precaution to keep your child healthy? No, I don’t think this is what Flex Y’all is!” cried @helenheard.
“A child who had not passed away in Texas on February 26, 2025 passed away!” said @amberdwhitfieldaw. “Maybe visit West Texas Hospital where unvaccinated measles children are being treated, mainly because they can’t breathe on their own. You’re really a nut job.”
However, others, including the school, wrote comments of support.
“We love it! 👏 #1,” the school said.
“I absolutely love how we are celebrating this,” wrote Instagram user @deidrameckel.
According to Fort Worth Star Telegram, only 14.3% of the 300 Fort Worth School kindergarten children who were vaccinated for measles between 2023 and 2024 were vaccinated for measles. According to Dallas Morning News, it is one of six facilities in North Texas, with less than 50% of the kindergarten’s population being vaccinated.
Schott claimed the news was trying to spin schools’ low vaccination rates like “awful.”
He did not raise the measles outbreak that is currently robbing West Texas. The viral disease has caused more than 150 people to get sick and killed unvaccinated children. The outbreak is linked to Gaines County’s “close, unbactinated” Mennonite community.
Since its first outbreak, more cases have been reported in neighbouring New Mexico and other states across the country.
Health professionals have opened a mobile clinic, urging residents to get vaccinated.
“The only effective way to prevent measles is the MMR vaccine,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary, chairman of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Infectious Diseases.
