Thursday, May 31, 2001; Page A24

A May 14 editorial gave the impression that an Institute of Medicine report found no "credible evidence" that the MMR vaccine can cause serious adverse reactions in some children. As stated in its report, the committee "does not exclude the possibility that the MMR vaccine could contribute to [autism] in a small number of children."

The editorial criticized Rep. Dan Burton for urging the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study this issue further. However, the committee itself "recommends that this issue receive continued attention" and then sets forth four areas of research NIH should pursue.

I support childhood immunization. I also believe it is wrong to consider the children who suffer severe reactions to childhood vaccines the price of doing business. We have an obligation to study this issue.

DAVE WELDON

U.S. Representative (R-Fla.)

Washington

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