The Mississippi Enterprise

Don't Be Confused By Technical Controversy, Vaccinate Now!

When controversy leads to public enlightenment we're all for it. But there are times when controversy results in public confusion, with disastrous results. This is particularly true when experts clash on technical points that cannot be grasped quickly by those of us without scientific background.

We fervently hope the recent controversy over the relative merits of polio vaccines will not discourage parents from seeing that their families are given a full series of Salk shots immediately. This is the critical time of year when the unprotected are most exposed to the polio attack. The Salk vaccine is available now. It is more than 90 per cent effective in preventing paralytic polio. Those who have not been vaccinated are gambling against the possibility of being crippled for life through their own negligence.

Whether or not the Sabin live-virus vaccine is a better vaccine than Dr. Salk's is a matter for scientists and physicians to decide — later. The National Foundation, which financed all the research leading to both vaccines with funds contributed to the March of Dimes, gives the only sound advice which parents can follow. It points out that, since no live-virus vaccine has yet been licensed for distribution, since you cannot get live-virus vaccine from your physician, and since the present polio "season" will be over before mass production, licensing and distribution of the live-virus vaccine are completed, there is only one course of action for conscientious parents to pursue. Get your family started on a full series of Salk shots TODAY.

Millions of pre-school children and young adults are still without protection. These are the age groups most open to attack.

Don't let technical controversy confuse you. Vaccinate NOW.