In recent years, there has been a lot of information about immunizations in the news. Despite the success of immunizations in preventing and nearly eliminating many serious childhood infections, very often immunization stories contain incomplete information or inaccuracies. But Newsweek got it right. The story by Geoffrey Cowley, "Understanding Autism," was both accurate and fair in presenting the risks and benefits of vaccines. Autism is a devastating illness for both the children it afflicts and the parents who are their caregivers. However, the best available science indicates that vaccines play no role in causing autism. The fact remains that immunization is one of the most important ways parents can protect their children from serious infectious disease. Newsweek did every parent a favor by presenting the facts about autism and the necessity of continued immunization for children. Only good information can help make good decisions.

Bruce Gellin MD, MPH
Executive Director
National Network for Immunization Information