| Donna Asfar | | Print | |
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November 17, 2009
Governor-Elect Christie Office of the Governor-Elect P. O. Box 022 Trenton, NJ 08625-0022 Dear Governor-Elect Christie: First, I would like to congratulate you on your electoral victory and to welcome you as our future Governor. My family and I are excited about the prospects for New Jersey under your leadership. I am writing because I recently learned that you support informed consent and vaccination choice in New Jersey. As a mother of two small sons, I am concerned about Autism and the possibility that the large amount of vaccines New Jersey mandates may be a trigger of the disorder in certain susceptible individuals. I am not “anti-vaccine” and I do vaccinate both of my sons, but I choose to do so on an alternate schedule. I believe that we are forced to give too many vaccines too soon. I am especially concerned about the Hepatitis B vaccine mandate. In the case of Hepatitis B, the virus is not even easily communicable…the fact is that the majority of Hepatitis B cases are acquired through intercourse, sharing of intravenous needles, handling of contaminated blood or transmission of the disease from mother to baby. In the later situation, a blood test during pregnancy can determine if a mother is positive for Hep B, which could target only susceptible babies to vaccination. This particular vaccine has been linked to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), Multiple Sclerosis and possibly Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It has just recently been shown to possibly increase the risk of Autism in boys three times more than in unvaccinated children. Even if contracted, Hepatitis B often doesn’t prove fatal. Most cases just run their course and recover within a couple of weeks. Yet, we are forced to subject small children who are highly unlikely to participate in any risky behaviors to receive this vaccine before they are able to start kindergarten. As an aside, by the time those same children are old enough to actually participate in the risky activities that may expose them to Hep B, their immunity from the vaccine will have degraded to the point of ineffectiveness. We are also required to give our children a vaccine for the chickenpox (Varicella). In the past few years, the lasting effectiveness of the vaccine has come into question. There have been numerous cases of vaccinated children still contracting the disease. The state mandates that preschoolers receive one dose and that kindergarteners receive a booster. This is a weakened but live virus vaccine. What we are doing by vaccinating children is forcing them to receive booster vaccines throughout their lifetime. The only way to receive lifelong immunity from chickenpox is to actually get the chickenpox. I understand the importance of receiving Polio, DTaP, HIB and even MMR vaccines (although I prefer to split the MMR vaccines into separate components). Although I don’t agree that they should be required, I do see the importance of seasonal flu shots. What I would like to see is a philosophical exemption such as the one proposed in Bill A260 made into law. I believe that most parents take their responsibilities seriously and will weigh their concerns regarding vaccines with their concerns about protecting their children from potentially harmful diseases. If we cannot fully implement Bill A260 [nb: which now has a new bill number A243], perhaps the list of mandated vaccines can be reduced to include the most important vaccinations. I really appreciate your taking the time to read this letter and giving New Jersey parents back their choice in their children’s healthcare decisions. Again congratulations and best wishes to you. Sincerely, Donna Asfar Township of Washington, New Jersey |
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Swine Flu Alert
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| Quote of the week |
"Life and health are about choices." - Suzanne Somers, Knockout, page 5 |
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