Benefits of immunization far outweigh the risks

Benefits of immunization far outweigh the risks

EDITOR:

A recent letter published by The Vindicator claimed that the writers’ children had developed autism as a result of getting recommended immunizations. They advocated avoiding such therapy. While I endorse freedom of speech and expression of opinions, publication of these views is a disservice to the community.

Recognized experts in the field of pediatric infectious diseases do not believe that there is a relationship between immunizations and the development of autism. Certainly the benefits if immunizations far outweigh the risks. If significant numbers of families refuse immunizations devastating diseases such as polio, whooping cough, certain forms of meningitis and tetanus may reappear in our population.

I therefore urge the parents in our community to follow the carefully considered recommendations of their primary care physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

KURT WEGNER, M.D.

Youngstown