‘Follow the science’

Dear Editor:

The May 27 Advertiser contained a letter that began with a simple premise; namely, “all vaccines work.”

I would refer the writer to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention 2004 report on the Rotavirus (RRV-TV) vaccine. This obviously invalidates the premise.

Instead of making this terrible situation an ideological fight wherein anyone – including scientists and medical doctors – who asks legitimate questions is cast as a lunatic enemy of the state, would it not be safer to, as Dr. Fauci has said, “follow the science?”

Dr. Byram Bridle, an Associate Professor of Viral Immunology at the University of Guelph (and a self-declared pro-vaxxer), discusses peer-reviewed studies that deal with vaccine side effects.

Instead of getting into vitriolic, rhetorical exchanges and engaging in behaviour-shaming and virtue-signaling, let’s try to keep an open mind and follow the science.

Terence Rothwell,
Wellington North

*Editor’s note: Reactions can occur with all vaccines, but serious side effects are extremely rare. Recent studies suggest that receiving a COVID-19 vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing the illness and also significantly reduces transmission. Anyone who is concerned about COVID-19 vaccines should consult their physician.