Opinion

Parents who say no to vaccinations need to be told the risks

LETTER — Posted Dec. 5, 2005

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Regarding "Doctors drop families that refuse shots" (Article, Oct. 24/31): I find it hard to be understanding when parents refuse potentially lifesaving vaccinations for children on the basis of overblown fears of extremely rare side effects.

Children don't have a choice and are dependent on their parents' judgment. Parents who refuse immunizations for their children should receive an "educational component" [described in the article] so they understand the risks to children of not getting these shots. I recommend for starters a color atlas of children sick with meningitis, polio and measles.

M. Dean Havron Jr., MD, Winchester, Va.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/12/05/edlt1205.htm.

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