Get whole story on vaccinations
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Published: August 18, 2007
I was a bit surprised to read the article discussing updates to the "requirements" of the vaccine schedule. I was not surprised that they were adding vaccines nor was I surprised to see chickenpox referred to as "life threatening." What surprised me is that there was no mention of the choices offered in Vermont.
The varicella (chickenpox) vaccine should not be mandated. There are too many questions surrounding the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. There are approximately 100 chickenpox deaths annually and it is rare to see it in a healthy child. Furthermore, according to Merck's literature, "the duration of protection of Varivax is unknown at present." Vaccinating children against a common childhood disease forces it into adult populations where the risk is far greater. Adults account for 2 percent of chickenpox cases, but are responsible for 47.5 percent of deaths from chickenpox. The natural varicella virus produces much higher antibody levels than the vaccine, making individuals less prone to developing shingles later in life.
All 50 states offer medical exemptions. In the state of Vermont there are no "required" vaccinations; you may opt out of any vaccination at any time with either a medical, religious or moral exemption.
Vermont law states: "A person may remain in school without a required immunization … if the person, or in the case of a minor the person's parent or guardian states in writing that the person, parent or guardian has religious beliefs or moral convictions opposed to immunization." (18 V.S.A. § 1122).
Vaccines come with risks and benefits. I hope that the state of Vermont will urge you to weigh them carefully and make an informed decision based on information rather than "requirements."
Jenn Donahue
Northfield
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