Health

Parents Pushed To Pox Vaccine

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

August 1, 1998 / 6:07 PM EDT / CBS

Peggy Bruno isn't taking any chances. She's making sure both of her sons receive vaccinations for chicken pox. CBS News Correspondent Elizabeth Kaledin has the report.

"I'd rather have my children have the shot and not be exposed to other children who might have the chicken pox in pre-school or daycare," says Bruno.

The vaccination was Peggy Bruno's "choice," but many other parents in Massachusetts are questioning the controversial new law.

"I certainly have a lot of parents come in and say well, why should I give my child the shot?" says Dr. Donna Zambuto. "I had the chicken pox, my friends had the chicken pox. It's no big deal."

But it is a big deal to the drug company who makes the vaccine. 'Merck' has been airing radio spots aimed at changing parents' minds about chicken pox.

Chicken pox does cause 100 deaths a year, and thousands of hospitalizations. But public health officials warn it can lead to more serious complications.

Dr. Susan Lett of the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health, said "a more serious infection known as group 'A' strep infection, also known as flesh eating bacteria, is becoming an increasing complication of chicken pox."

Flesh eating bacteria? Deaths? They are real but very rare concerns. The vast majority of chicken pox cases are benign. Critics say rare risks don't justify a vaccine mandate, and parents should be allowed to choose.

"In light of the fact that there is an absence of any significant kind of public health emergency posed by the disease of chicken pox, this medical procedure should remain a choice," said Debbie Burmudes, spokeswoman for the Citizens for Vaccination Choice.

Many parents like Elizabeth Dierze say there haven't been enough long term studies of the vaccine. She would rather have her children get the virus than be vaccinated against it.

"All the different moms who don't want their children vaccinated with this particular vaccine are networking, letting each other know when they hear of a case and trying to get their children infected," Dierze said.

Fights for and against the chicken pox vaccine are likely to spread as fast as the virus itself, as other states consider similar mandates.