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Taking Shots at Vaccines

Alice Park's article "how safe are vaccines?" left out two critical facts [June 2]. One is that when mercury was taken out of childhood vaccines, it was replaced with other toxic preservatives such as formaldehyde and aluminum. Second, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may be correct that there is no scientific evidence that vaccines are causing the rising wave of autism, they do not make the public aware that there are no scientific studies proving that vaccines are not to blame. Our government and pharmaceutical companies have not conducted any long-term double-blind placebo studies of vaccine-treatment results, and there is no proof one way or another. Marie D. Zeller, PORTLAND, ORE.

On Aug. 13, 1952, three years before the polio vaccine was available, I was a 33-month-old toddler. I took a nap with my 5-year-old cousin. When we woke up, she was fine, but I had a fever, was in terrific pain and could not walk. After rushing me to the hospital and seeing me go through two spinal taps, my parents heard the dreaded diagnosis: polio. I had paralysis in both legs, my back, right arm, diaphragm and lungs. I spent the next four months in the hospital until I was miraculously able to breathe on my own again. Ahead were years of back and leg braces, more than a dozen major surgeries on my legs and spine, learning to walk again (and again and again after each surgery) and 45 years of using crutches to get around, followed by (so far) 11 years in a wheelchair. I can't even begin to describe the emotional, spiritual, social and psychological pain I have endured these past 56 years. I, my parents and all those thousands of others would have given anything at all to have had the vaccine instead of the hellish nightmare we faced. Michael Odle, WEST ALLIS, WIS.

Reports like Park's are vital if we are to persuade today's young parents, most of whom have never seen a case of paralytic polio, that immunization remains essential in today's global society. Fears and myths about vaccines place our children in peril. Kelly Lacek's story shows how difficult it can be for parents to navigate the labyrinth of conflicting reports in the media. We must work together to solve the mystery of autism while safeguarding one of the most successful public-health initiatives of all time. Renee R. Jenkins, President, American Academy of Pediatrics ELK GROVE VILLAGE, ILL.

There is room for compromise in deciding whether or not to vaccinate. Our family has a two-pronged strategy: First, we breast-feed our children, making them less likely to develop a wide range of infectious diseases. Second, we vaccinate on a delayed schedule. At each well visit, we permit our children to be given no more than two vaccines. Our pediatrician helps us prioritize. By the time our children reach age 5, they are fully vaccinated. Brenda Carroll, SHAWNEE, KANS.

As a physician of 25 years, I have learned that "truth" in medicine is a fleeting concept. Although pediatric vaccines with full-dose thimerosal were no longer allowed to be made for sale in the U.S. after 2001, those stocks already in distribution or purchased could be used until their expiration date, as late as 2003. The influenza vaccine, which has been strongly pushed for children, still contains thimerosal in some available doses. I am not antivaccine, but the way in which vaccines are currently applied is causing many undue harm. Gregory L. Brown, RACINE, WIS.

You have done your readers a disservice by failing to note Dr. Paul Offit's conflict of interest with regard to vaccines. He is not merely a doctor at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia; he is a co--patent holder for Merck's RotaTeq vaccine. Angelique Higgins, SHERMAN OAKS, CALIF.

It was refreshing to see such integrity on a subject that is usually fueled by rampant propaganda and scare tactics from the American Medical Association, the Food and Drug Administration, the CDC and the pharmaceutical industry. James Sites, LITTLETON, COLO.

Stayin' Alive

What does Hillary Clinton want [June 2]? She wants to win--in spite of you all! Neida Rodriguez, SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Your article should have been called "Enough Is Enough." Would somebody please show Clinton the door? Helen C. Grimes, MEDFORD, MASS.

And Health Care for All

How sad that senator Ted Kennedy has been diagnosed with a brain tumor [June 2]. Fortunately, as a member of Congress, he will receive the best medical care, without regard to cost. For millions of working Americans, this diagnosis would mean liquidation of life savings, bake sales and coin jars at the local convenience store. Why can't Congress create a comprehensive health-care plan that treats us taxpayers as generously as they treat themselves? David Stockman, BILLINGS, MONT.

Gay Marriage

The California Supreme Court ruling is long overdue [June 2]. Our family traveled joyfully to Canada last year to witness my son's marriage to his partner. Returning home, where that marriage is not recognized felt like Cinderella postball. Denying same-sex couples the right to marry is deeply hurtful both to them and to the family members who love them. Barbara Krentzman, BUFFALO GROVE, ILL.

Michelle, Ma Belle

The "truths" Michelle Obama speaks are evolutionary and applicable to deep-rooted Americans [June 2]. My American family goes back to Captain John Steele in the Revolutionary War. Our immigrant ancestors came from Ireland, Germany, England, Scotland, Eastern Europe, Russia, Mexico and the Philippines. I happen to be a 76-year-old white male, and "for the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country." When Michelle speaks, we hear her wakening the American Dream. John S. Hellman, NEW YORK CITY

Michelle Obama infuriates and is targeted by conservatives because she is truthful and candid and does not mince words. I say, More power to her. Richard McCurdy, BURBANK, CALIF.

I am a lifelong republican who recently turned independent. Early in the primaries, I stood in the rain for two hours, waiting to hear Michelle Obama speak. She is Barack's match in every way--brilliant, articulate, patriotic, humorous, dedicated to helping make our country's future better. She received standing ovations again and again as she expressed her clear vision that our nation is in trouble and dramatic changes in policy are our best hope. Iona Kargel, TUCSON, ARIZ.

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