Between 1985 to 1994, there were 13 outbreaks of measles reported in communities with exemptions, resulting in 1,200 cases and 9 deaths. In other countries where they cut back on immunizations, large outbreaks have occurred. In Great Britain, Sweden and Japan, drops in pertussis vaccination rates were followed by epidemics of 13,000 to 100,000 cases and many deaths. In the former Soviet Union, low primary immunization rates in children and booster vaccinations for adults have resulted in a huge outbreak of diphtheria. Between 1989 and 1996 over 145,000 cases and 4,000 deaths have been reported.
Immunizations are the cornerstone of preventive public health.
They are safe and effective, but broad immunization coverage is necessary to maximize their effectiveness. Communities have the right to be protected against serious diseases, and have the responsibility to ensure that their most vulnerable citizens are also protected. Parents have the right to complete information about the benefits and risks of vaccines, compared with the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases.