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April 18, 2003

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Infant Vaccination Still a Must"

Daily Oklahoman (www.newsok.com) (04/16/03) P. 5A; Orenstein, Walter A.

In an editorial in the Daily Oklahoman, Dr. Walter A. Orenstein, director of the National Immunization Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stresses the importance of vaccinations as the best way to keep children healthy.  Once common illnesses like smallpox, polio, measles, mumps, whooping cough, diphtheria, and rubella are part of the past for most Americans, all thanks to the creation of vaccines that block the death, disfigurement, and disability associated with all of those diseases.  However, because of that success, among some parents there is now misunderstanding about the need for vaccines: without visible evidence of the devastation of the illnesses, many parents are either unaware of the need for immunization or about the risk that faces unvaccinated children and, eventually, entire communities and the nation.  Decisions not to vaccinate children put their innocent lives at risk of disease and death, and can punch holes in the community safety net that prevents the spread of disease.

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ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.