Non-immunization cost was deadly

With regard to "Schools right to enforce vaccines" [Editorial, Jan. 12], take it from an "old nurse." Back when there were contagious disease hospitals - probably most readers can't remember such places - student nurses had rigorous six-week rotations in these and other facilities for educational experience.

What I will never forget is the floor where there were many, many pediatric cribs and beds with children lying there in irreversible comas from measles encephalitis, mumps encephalitis, etc., because of a lack of immunization. They would never awaken. As a very impressionable 20-year-old, it was an image engraved in my mind, never to be forgotten. Would I ever allow a child to go without immunization after that encounter? Never!

Perhaps the parents who are dismissing the need for the available protection against this horrible possibility should be exposed to pictures of such unfortunate youngsters, or would they perhaps continue to take the stand of the "NIMBY"?

Anne Denehy

South Huntington