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ARTICLES:
Andrea L. Benin, Daryl J. Wisler-Scher, Eve Colson, Eugene D. Shapiro, and Eric S. Holmboe
Qualitative Analysis of Mothers' Decision-Making About Vaccines for Infants: The Importance of Trust
Pediatrics 2006; 117: 1532-1541 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]
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[Read eLetters] Matter of trust
Nikki Lee   (3 May 2006)

Matter of trust 3 May 2006
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Nikki Lee,
lactation consultant
private practice

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Re: Matter of trust

nleeguitar{at}aol.com Nikki Lee

The immunization decision is a complex one to make. How can mothers trust a healthcare provider when situations occur as with the rotavirus vaccine? That vaccine was approved in July 2001 and taken off the market November 2001, as it was implicated in a number of infant deaths. As some news reports indicated, data from certain international clinical trials was not considered during the approval process for this vaccine. How can one trust when egregious errors like that occur?

I remember the major reason for development of the chickenpox vaccine was to decrease the amount of time women had to take away from work to care for sick children, not for any health benefit.

When literature from around world repeatedly concludes that artificial feeding leads to the most death and morbidity in infants and children, it makes more sense for the US government to put a significant portion of the money spent on vaccines towards breastfeeding support and protection. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, then continuing after the introduction of complementary foods for at least a year, and thereafter as long as mother and baby are content with the relationship would do more and cost less to reduce the costs of infant illness.

Conflict of Interest:

None declared