In response to the letter by Denise Van Domselaar (Gazette, March 25), I agree that "medical fascism" is unacceptable. However, each of us does have a responsibility to people with whom we interact.
We must avoid gifting them with illnesses, especially those easily avoided by vaccination. Because of medical advances, many more people live normal lives with suppressed immune systems. Others cannot be immunized because of age or adverse reaction to immunization. Babies too young for immunization, those taking treatment for diseases as diverse as MS or cancer, diabetics, heart disease victims and many others are at risk from individuals who are not immunized.
Smoking, obesity, lack of exercise and substance abuse are not factors here and only deflect attention from the real issue. There is overwhelming scientific evidence that immunization is safe and that it works. Many crippling or deadly diseases have been eradicated.
Setting an unimmunized person loose in any environment with any of those at risk is about as safe as carrying a loaded firearm with a hair trigger and no safety. Actually, the firearm is safer because it is visible. The disease carrier is not recognized and the disease may be spread long after they leave the scene.
Feel free not to be immunized. Just never interact with anyone or go out.
Don Yurchuk, St. Albert
