Controversies in current immunization policy and practices: one physician's viewpoint.

Immunization offers the best available method preventing diseases which exact huge tolls in terms of comfort, life and economic stability of humans. However, immunization is a mixed blessing because of unavoidable risks to recipients of almost any biologic product. Only by careful attention to the balance of risks between an immunization procedure and its corresponding disease will we achieve a rational, sound and appropriate policy and practice. This report details the author's analysis and opinion concerning some current controversies in immunization policy and practice. The reader is cautioned that the report represents one viewpoint; others report differing or even contradictory interpretations of the data presented, leading to different or even opposing views. The purpose of this report will be ably served if the reader considers the data himself (herself) and reaches an independent, informed opinion.