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The battle over immunization
Editor of the Reformer:
"Officials warn of ‘whooping’ outbreak," (Aug. 11-12) would have been helped by including more information on a complex scientific, social and political issue that has many components. It is not a simple issue. Furthermore it has been caught up in politics and misinformation propagated by the anti-vaccine movement, which is alive and well.
Pertussis has been on an alarming rise since a low in 2008 -2010. The rising number of cases could be due in part to: Increased virulence of the causative bacteria; reduced strength of the immunizing material; decisions by parents not to immunize or to delay administration of the three shots at the recommended times; and exposure to others who are contagious and unimmunized, in large part because of their failure to be immunized.
Also, Vermont is one of 17 states that still allows parents to waive their children’s required vaccinations before entering day care or school. Vaccination at the recommended schedules is a highly effective, safe and inexpensive preventive measure to protect us all against many highly contagious and serious illnesses. Most doctors agree, including Dr Harry Chen, chief of Vermont’s Department of Public Health.
And yet, in 2012, the Vermont Legislature failed to fully authorize a new bill that would have deleted the parental choice to not vaccinate their children in a timely
The paradox is that Vermont’s current health initiatives favor prevention, but Vermont is continuing to legalize the avoidance of prevention. Vermont’s politicians and lawmakers are supposedly committed to developing a cost effective universal health care system for all. They have diminished/hobbled this safe preventive measure by allowing parents to keep saying, "You can’t immunize my kids." This legalized permissiveness will almost certainly contribute to more outbreaks of pertussis and many other highly contagious diseases.
Margaret Newton,
MD, FACP (retired),
Brattleboro, Aug. 16
In support of Partridge, Trieber
Editor of the Reformer:
The last thing you want to hear from is a has-been politician telling you who to vote for in the Aug. 28 primary election; Vermonters can decide that themselves.
That said, at the risk of offending you, you have a diligent and experienced Democratic team -- Carolyn and Matt -- representing you at the State House. The team needs your support Aug. 28.
And while I have your attention, thank you very much for the privilege of representing you in Montpelier for 39 years.
Michael J. Obuchowski,
Montpelier, Aug. 19
In support
of O’Connor
Editor of the Reformer:
I’m writing to share my support for Kate O’Connor, candidate for State Representative from Brattleboro, District 3. Kate’s experience on the local, state and national level has prepared her to very ably represent Brattleboro in Montpelier. Kate and I worked together on the staff of Governor Howard Dean and I know how much she loves this town and this state. She is knowledgeable about issues, knows the state’s agencies and boards, and understands the importance of the balance of power between the three branches of state government. She also understands the process for getting legislation passed. She has always considered Brattleboro her home and has actively supported this community throughout her career.
Please join me in voting for Kate O’Connor for State Representative, District 3 on Primary Day Tuesday, Aug. 28. In fact, you can vote now at the Town Clerk’s Office or by requesting an absentee ballot.
Julie Peterson,
Brattleboro, Aug. 16
More talk on bridge design
Editor of the Reformer:
Roger Turner said it as well as anyone can in his recent letter ("The aesthetics of bridge design," Aug. 15) regarding the design of the new I-91 bridge over the West River and Route 30; keep it simple and as cost effective as possible. The selected design should be a bridge that makes the least impact on the landscape and is the safest and easiest to maintain in a cost effective manner.
I have to wonder if the same people that want a bridge similar to the current steel arch bridge would have been the first to complain about the visual impact of such an imposing structure. Remember the uproar when the traffic pattern around the Brattleboro Common was changed or the traffic island in front of Brattleboro Union High School was created? I believe time has shown them both to be enormous improvements to our town’s infrastructure.
Three years after a new, simple concrete bridge has replaced the steel arch bridge this will be one big, giant non-issue.
Doug Kroc,
Dummerston, Aug. 15
