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In Reply.—Dr Lynch outlines a problem in using the current generation of "Important Information" documents prepared by the Centers for Disease Control, and in wide use among pediatricians, and the need for a new generation of such statements. As Dr Cherry indicates in his response, we are not yet there. The new set of informational pamphlets for patients and physicians has been in preparation for some time now. The issues are controversial and have caused delays in the preparation and ultimate distribution of these newer statements.
Major controversy stems from the emphasis to be given to adverse effects of vaccines vs adverse outcomes of disease and benefits of vaccine. Most physicians, including me, believe that the data clearly support an overwhelming degree of benefit of the vaccine compared with the risk. However, a number of individual laypersons, groups of laypersons, and some physicians believe that the public is ill