In the editor: The new leaders of the US Food and Drug Administration and Department of Health and Human Services will require further test before disabled people at age 65 (“Kennedy says Covid vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women,” May 27). That means your pharmacy may not be allowed to give you the vaccine even if you want it – even if you are a caregiver for an impaired or elderly person or a newborn infant who should not be exposed to the virus.
It is a basic public health basis that a disease killing millions of people should be given a medical “Don’t Trespass” sign. Herd is immune, made when members of the herd have antibodies that give the opposition of a disease, something that spreads the disease. This resistance can come from recovery from infection or by vaccination. If you want to get the antibodies safely, vaccination is the way.
I am not expert in contagious diseases, but also Robert “I don’t think people should take medical advice from me” Kennedy Jr. Ask real experts.
Michael Gross, MD, Woodland Hills
