letter to editor about religious anti-vaccinators. NOT PUBLISHED

I read with interest the article titled “Megachurch under scrutiny in measles cases” about a Texas church in which the pastor preached that vaccination is not necessary because “the Lord heals all diseases.”  The measles virus was introduced into the church by a person who had visited Indonesia, where measles is still endemic.  21 people caught measles, of whom 16 were documented  nonvaccinated and the others did not have documentation.  We can only hope that the virus is contained and does not kill anyone. Many people fail to realize (and it was not mentioned in the article) that although measles disease is usually a mild disease, it can kill.  For example, the WHO estimates that there were 158,000 deaths worldwide from measles in 2011. 

Ironically, many people enjoy good health without realizing that there are multitudes of health workers fighting to keep vaccinations levels high.  In the US, fortunately, we do not see crippling polio, small pox, pertussis, fatal tetanus, fatal rabies, and many other diseases that plague “underdeveloped” nations.  Many Americans do not understand that it is only through vaccination that we enjoy the absence of these diseases.   In 2002, indigenous measles was declared eradicated in North, Central and South America. 

Although some people decline vaccination for religious reasons, Jenny McCarthy and her ilk promulgate the completely wrong idea that there is a connection between MMR (measles, mumps, rubella vaccine) and autism.  The studies that supposedly showed this were completely fabricated. The work has been withdrawn and declared an “elaborate hoax.”   The studies were funded by trial lawyers seeking lawsuits.  Dr. Wakefield had all his medical licenses revoked. And yet the lie lives on--it has taken on a life of its own.

There are a very small number people who should not be vaccinated for medical reasons, such as immunosuppression. In addition, there are a small number of people who, even though they ARE vaccinated, may still catch the disease.  It is important to have universal vaccine coverage, which reduces the level of pathogen in the population, to protect such people. Unvaccinated people may acquire virus, not get ill and become carriers.  People who choose not vaccinate for nonmedical reasons are not only putting themselves at risk but they are potentially harming others. 

We are experiencing an epidemic of anti-intellectualism and pseudoscience.    In my opinion, individuals who proselytize against vaccination are like murderers.