To the editor:
I disagree with R.F. Kennedy’s decision along with his CDC advisory committee to remove vaccine mandates the children are to receive in their young life.
 Vaccines as a topic can involve strong feelings and different opinions. As many of you know our experience with vaccines in childhood shapes our perception or perspectives, especially as parents and grandparents.Â
Vaccines play a crucial role in protecting children from serious diseases. For instance the combination vaccines that include diphtheria, tetanus acellular pertussis and Influenza B, pneumonia and inactive polio helps safeguard your child’s health.
Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that affects the upper respiratory tract. It can lead to complications if not treated.
Tetanus is caused by a bacteria that leads to muscle spasms and can result in lockjaw.
Pneumonia causes inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs that can fill up with fluid and leads to serious respiratory issues.
The inactivated polio vaccine is crucial, one single dose can protect against polio. This can protect against paralyzed muscles that can lead to health changes for a lifetime such as paralyzed limbs, bone deformities and paralysis of lung muscles.
Pertussis or whooping cough is caused by a bacterium that leads to coughing fits that are alarming and dangerous.
Measles, mumps and rubella are greatly contagious viruses with complications that can include pneumonia, deafness, or brain inflammation.
Vaccines are the cornerstone of public health not just for families, but for communities.
Seasoned experts in the CDC are a grave loss for our country and Lee County. Do not believe all the Google tweets, trust your pediatrician, trust science, facts matter, data matters and a healthy child life matters.
RF Kennedy will be long gone and you as a parent will live your decisions.
As a healthcare professional, I have taken care of patients with the above diseases, I see the importance of health. Protect your child.
Kathleen Callard RNBS
North Fort Myers