Misinformation Continued from page 10

is vaccinated and receives all of the scheduled vaccines so that they have complete coverage.”

Dunfee encouraged people to exercise critical thinking skills. Whether they do or they do not agree with something; look at both sides and make an informed decision from there. “I guess my speech to anti-vax; if you are doing your research on one side as to why not to get it; then also do your homework on the other side - reasons to get it.”

She recommended that parents Google images depicting children with roseola, children with measles, or young adult with meningococcal meningitis - some of whom have lost limbs to the disease. “Research it on both sides and then make an educated decision.”

Dunfee emphasized the importance of trusting your medical provider. “It really all goes back to your medical provider. If you trust that provider enough to treat your ear infection and x-ray your broken wrist; do you not trust them enough to take their advice when they suggest that your child receive vaccine x, y, and z. If the answer is no; then you need to find someone that you do trust.”

Letsinger said that research linking autism to vaccines has been proven false; unfortunately some people aren’t convinced by the facts. “I don’t know what you do about that. Do your homework.”

Dunfee said that we live in a world of instant access and for that reason it is challenging to filter through what is accurate. Letsinger said that sensational reporting can also mislead people.

Both women cautioned individuals not to seek sources that validate the answers they want; seek factual information from reliable sources that lead to the truth.