Flu vaccinations are much in the news lately. But there are vaccines for more than just the flu, of course.

Unfortunately, some people persist in making false or unsubstantiated claims about vaccine risks. This past November the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, on which Rep. Peter Welch is a member, held hearings on the federal response to autism. Sadly, other members of that committee, as well as at least one individual testifying, made statements that rehashed thoroughly discredited anti-vaccination claims. At no point during the hearing did Rep. Welch speak up about these false claims.

I immediately wrote to the congressman, asking specifically why he said nothing, then or afterward, to refute these statements and also asked whether he was willing to publicly state that he was supportive of vaccinations. It took Rep. Welch six weeks to respond, and he declined to answer either of my questions, merely stating that “much more research is needed (on autism).”

It would appear that Rep. Welch has gone over to the “dark side” and may well be an anti-vaxer. I hope I am wrong, but there is no way to tell since he did not answer my questions.

Perhaps other readers who support vaccinations might want to contact the congressman and see if they have better luck figuring out where Mr. Welch stands.

Grant Taylor

Cabot