To the editor:
A recent letter (Forum, May 31) raised several questions regarding SIDS and DTP immunizations. Several major medical studies have shown that children who receive DTP vaccine are not at risk of developing permanent brain damage or SIDS. Suggestions that health and medical professionals are ignoring risks are unfounded.The Office of the State Medical Examiner regularly conducts autopsies of infants who die of SIDS, and DTP vaccine has not been shown to contribute to the death of any of these children.
The Utah Department of Health, all local health departments and private physicians provide parents with information regarding the benefits and risks associated with each childhood vaccine. Copies are also available to anyone who is interested.
Infants are immunized against pertussis (whooping cough) during the early months of life, the period of greatest risk of serious illness and death from this disease. The first six months of life are also the highest risk time for SIDS. Thus, by coincidence of timing, DTP immunization and SIDS may occur simultaneously. Cases of pertussis still occur throughout Utah. Delaying or avoiding immunization leaves our children unprotected.
Many of the rumors regarding the danger of immunizations persist despite statistics and studies that demonstrate the value of early and complete immunization in preventing disease, disability and death.
Suzanne Dandoy, M.D., M.P.H.
Executive director
Utah Department of Health