Immunizations. Are You At Danger When They're Gone?

I suspect that there is no reader of this blog who is a stranger to immunizations. As children, most of us had many that started very early in our lives. Most of us who have children spent many days in the office of our family pediatrician, and we winced when our little ones got their immunization shots. And as adults, many of us religiously get an annual flu shot at the very least.

But a fairly recent phenomenon has many Americans rallying against immunizations, particularly those that are mandated for children. And many are refusing to have their kids receive any type of vaccine, and are fighting laws that mandate immunizations before a child can start school. Their contentions are that ingredients in some vaccines are harmful, and they claim that many children have been injured through receiving immunizations.

It appears, however, that the majority of the population still believes in the safety of immunizations, and believes that they do offer protection from a variety of diseases. History seems to substantiate that belief when one considers how the incidences of many diseases have practically been eradicated, especially in the United States. And when one reviews the statistics on diseases in countries where immunizations are not the norm, the numbers are pretty scary.

One big argument in the immunization debate is should people have the right to refuse them? Do those who do jeopardize public health efforts by not being immunized? Are other people put at unnecessary risk through being unwittingly exposed to someone who may have an illness that presumably could have been avoided had they been immunized? Are people with compromised immune systems or people suffering certain diseases being imperiled by those who in the name of personal freedom and personal choice are refusing immunizations? Are the very young or the very old at special risk?

Two new “Tell It Like It Is” shows were just completed that look at both sides of the immunization issue, and they have now been released for viewing.

One show is titled “Immunizations: The Case For”, and it features well-known vaccine expert David Fredenburg, MD, who has over 30 years of experience as a practicing pediatrician in multiple states, and is also a college professor and a preceptor for hospital medical residents. He has a vast knowledge of the history of immunizations, their efficacy, and the ramifications of discontinuing any immunization programs.

The other show is titled “Immunizations: The Case Against”, and it features Bedford, NH resident Laura Condon, who is part of a national citizens’ coalition of people who are challenging the safety and necessity of immunizations, and are attempting to overturn or modify laws and regulations that mandate them. She directs such advocacy efforts here in New Hampshire.

Both shows should be watched by anyone who is interested in public health measures, or has concerns about any illness or disease. Parents with young children should definitely familiarize themselves with the issue. The shows are now posted on the show’s website at www.tellitlikeitisnh.com . On the top toolbar, click on Issues, then click on Most Recent Shows. Both shows will be permanently archived on the website under the Immunization title in the Issues section.

Both shows will also begin airing on BCTV Channel 16 beginning on Friday, November 22, and will air until Thursday evening, November 28.  Each show will air twice daily on alternate days as shown below.

“Immunizations: The Case For” – Fri/Sun/Tues/Thurs – 12:00 PM, 7:00 PM

“Immunizations: The Case Against” – Sat/Mon/Wed – 10:00 AM, 8:00 PM

Both shows can also be viewed on other public access stations. To have them aired in your town, contact your local station manager. I can also be contacted via my email address of kathybenuck@comcast.net .

Be smart, and be aware. The issue is important, and it merits your attention.