Articles
Letter to the Editor - ACIP Vaccine Policy
by David T. Tayloe, Jr., MD, FAAP
The following Letter to the Editor was sent by David T. Tayloe, Jr., MD, FAAP, in response to an ACIP article published by the New York Times (1/23/26).
Federal vaccine policy will reduce the number of children who receive nationally-recommended vaccines and foster outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
If immunization rates do not exceed 90%, we will have outbreaks of measles and whooping cough because the germs that cause these diseases are readily transmitted through air and skin. We have no reliable antibiotics for these diseases. Babies, the elderly, and people with chronic health care problems are especially at-risk to suffer severe illness and/or death.
The current measles epidemic that has spread to North Carolina, was brought on by the failure of authorities in Texas to require all eligible children to receive measles vaccine. Babies and adults have died from measles during this outbreak.
To prevent outbreaks, most states have laws requiring vaccination for school entry, unless children have medical contraindications to vaccination. Some states allow parents to refuse immunization for personal and/or religious reasons even though no organized religion opposes childhood vaccination. North Carolina began requiring vaccines for school entry in 1979. During the last 47 years, vaccination rates have soared while vaccine-preventable diseases have almost disappeared.
If we really understand vaccines, we must require all persons to receive nationally recommended vaccines unless there is some medical contraindication to vaccination.
Sources:
NY Times
David T. Tayloe, Jr., MD, FAAP
Founder, Goldsboro Pediatrics, PA
Former President of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the NC Pediatric Society
Goldsboro Pediatrics, PA
2706 Medical Office Place
Goldsboro, NC 27534
919-734-4736
Dtayloe@goldsboropeds.com
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