The Los Angeles Times reports that vaccinations have become off-limits in many online forums. “For the moment we ask you to refrain from posting about vaccines or measles,” read an updated rule for the Moms of Inglewood and Surrounding Communities page.

OK that may be the case on those forums and on some Facebook and Meetup groups but I am not afraid to speak my piece.

When I was a boy I had measles and mumps and chicken pox. All are serious illnesses. My parents feared being exposed to polio. I have a friend who lost a major part of her hearing thanks to measles or mumps. A devastating result from high fever. One in 100,000 cases results in death. Most of those who are infected and who die are less than five years old. The risk of death among those infected is usually 0.2%.

Anti-vax people can provide no reliable proof that vaccinations cause autism or any other disease. Freedom of choice is not an option when your choice may impact my family. It’s not just vaccinations. Our society should enforce laws that protect the innocent from the behavior of a few misguided individuals. This does not translate to government interfering with your private life. Freedom of religion does have its limits. Practice of behavior that infringes on the rights of others is unacceptable.