Posted on: Thursday, June 13, 2002

New report backs safety of inoculation

A new report out of an international health research consortium should help lay to rest a dangerous and shortsighted practice followed by a handful of families around the world.

That practice is withholding children from immunizations or vaccinations due to fears that the youngsters might be harmed by the shots. And it is true that most immunizations carry a tiny bit of risk for a handful of people — a risk that is far, far outweighed by the public health benefits.

The global effort to eradicate diseases ranging from smallpox to polio rests on the willingness of entire populations to get the vaccinations. The only reason the handful of those who refuse do not suffer is that the majority accept the shots and the disease suppression they represent.

One recent vaccination "scare" involved the common combined vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella. Some studies suggested this shot could be associated with a slight higher incidence of autism or bowel disease in children.

But a new study by a consortium of groups, including the World Health Organization, the U.S. Institute of Medicine and the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, has found no evidence of a connection between the shots and later developmental or bowel problems.

This should be reassuring to families who know the personal and public health benefits of the inoculations are well worth the effort. And it should be one more reason why those who seek to refuse have no legitimate scientific grounds to stand on.