Dear Assemblyman ........,

Bill A04600, amending Public Health Law § 2164, would require chicken pox vaccination of New York children.  Many parents, including the undersigned, oppose this bill for the following reasons:

1) Chicken pox is a mild disease which, when experienced, gives life-long immunity.  At http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/fact/chickenp.htm you will find the Centers for Disease Control document "Facts About Chickenpox (Varicella)," and in it this statement: "Effective medications (e.g., acyclovir) are available to treat chickenpox in healthy and immunocompromised persons."

2) Vaccination immunity against chickenpox will "wear off," leaving adults vulnerable to a more serious attack. The CDC warns, "Adults are more likely to have a more serious case of chickenpox with a higher rate of complications and death."  California's Pacificare Health Systems HMO chose not to recommend Varivax (the vaccine); medical director Dr. William Osheroff said, "The real issue is all of the unanswered questions about Varivax...This is a very benign disease in children, but the vaccine may create a false sense of security as these kids get older and find themselves non-immune. Chickenpox as an adult is a serious disease."

3) The government is trampling on our civil rights by forcing this unwarranted and invasive medical procedure on our defenseless children.  The FDA VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System) first year surveillance of VARIVAX included over 1,500 reports - 76 were serious adverse reactions that included 2 deaths.  Especially troubling is the fact that the FDA has stated that fewer than 10% of serious adverse reactions and deaths following vaccines are reported (and independent researchers cite lower rates).

We would not deny any parent the right to choose vaccination for their children if that is their wish.  However, given the concerns we have outlined above (and there are many other arguments that reasonable people can make against this vaccine), are not our concerns legitimate and our rights deserving of protection?  Respectfully, we urge you to call for PUBLIC HEARINGS on this bill and to examine carefully both sides of the issue before you vote.  If hearings are denied the public we call upon you to vote against this bill and protect both our rights and the health of our children.

The Natural Immunity Information Network maintains a website at http://ffitz.com/niin/ which addresses questions of health and law.  We invite you to take a stand on the issue of Requiring the Vaccination of Children Against Chickenpox and we would like to publish your views in a section entitled "Legislators Respond (and Some Don't)."   We request your answers the following questions:

1) Should the government have the right to force this procedure on our children?  Why?  (or - Why not?)

2) Should parents, after examining the health issues regarding this vaccination, have the right to refuse its application to their child(ren)?  If not, why not?

3) Will you call for public hearings to be held on this bill?  If not, why not?

We ask you to consider carefully your support for this measure and urge, at a minimum, that you call for PUBLIC HEARINGS before action is taken on this bill.  Your prompt response to this message would be appreciated.  (A response by Email to niin@ffitz.com is preferred.)

Sincerely,


P.S. Your response may also mailed to:
Natural Immunity Information Network
PO Box 2090
Canal Street Station
New York, NY  10013