Here is a letter I wrote to my OB/GYN asking them to reconsider vaccinating women postpartum:

April 4th, 2003

Pamela S. Bertram, M.D. et al.
Garrison Women’s Health
770 Central Avenue
Dover, NH 03820

Dear Dr Bertram et al.,

RE Postpartum Rubella Vaccinations

I am writing to recommend that Garrison Women’s Health Center retest women postpartum for rubella immunity if the original test shows to be equivocal. I would also ask that you would reconsider vaccinating women postpartum.

I was routinely tested on March 20th, 2002 for rubella immunity. I was shown to be equivocal, meaning I would need to be revaccinated.

During the summer months, I found information linking the mothers inability to maintain a rubella titer to their child’s autism. I refused the MMR vaccination after the birth of Harrison in October 2002. I, then, learned of a study called “Adverse Outcomes Associated with Postpartum Rubella or MMR Vaccine” by F. Edward Yazbak, MD, FAAP and Kathy L. Lang-Radosh, MS. The study examines what effect the mothers’ revaccination during the postpartum period may have had on their children. In short, from the total respondents who received a vaccination for rubella postpartum, 75% of the cases had children born who have been diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder. In 17% of the cases, there is a child with autistic behaviors, developmental delays, or ADD. I have enclosed the study for your review. Dr. Yazbak can be reached via email at TLAutStudy@aol.com

I did voice my concern about my lack of rubella immunity to my primary care physician, he decided to recheck my rubella titers. On November 15th, 2002, I was retested and shown to be immune to rubella.

I have enclosed the following information for your review:
• the original rubella paper work
• the study called “Adverse Outcomes Associated with Postpartum Rubella or MMR Vaccine” by F. Edward Yazbak, MD, FAAP and Kathy L. Lang-Radosh, MS
• the second rubella test showing I was immune to rubella

Again, I am writing to recommend that Garrison Women’s Health Center retest women postpartum for rubella immunity if the original test shows to be equivocal. I would also ask that you would reconsider vaccinating women postpartum if a vaccination is still needed. As mentioned in the enclosed study, “The vaccine manufacturer states that it has been found “convenient” to vaccinate women in the postpartum period, but adds that “caution should be exercised.”

I was retested about 4 weeks postpartum, Garrison could easily make routine, a blood test to recheck for rubella immunity and give the responsibility for revaccination, if necessary, to the patient when they see their PCP.

I shudder to think of the possible outcome if I had chosen to be vaccinated when asked in the hospital and especially since later tests revealed that I didn’t need to be vaccinated at all.

I would kindly ask that you would respond to this letter.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Louise A. Flood

LAF/lf

cc:
Janet Perkins, M.D.
Elizabeth C. Chase, M.D.
Judy Edwards, C.N.M.
Debra Buckley, C.N.M.
Timothy Wargo, M.D.