I am not in the habit of writing to comment or complain about columns that appear on the Opinion pages. And generally I very much enjoy the editorial section of the newspaper. However, I am compelled to submit a comment regarding your publication of Katherine Paul’s Maine Compass, “Bill to require vaccine ‘counseling’ a slap in the face to Maine parents,” on Feb. 3.

The reporting of the issue regarding the right of parents to opt out of vaccinating their child is understandable considering all the recent attention given the measles outbreaks and recent comments by Sen. Rand Paul and Gov. Chris Christie. These articles are certainly appropriate and newsworthy in the news sections of the paper. However, devoting a half-page to Katherine Paul’s unfortunate opinion that this issue is a “slap in the face” to parents is irresponsible and misleading.

I am one of the many Mainers whose life is literally at risk every time I step out of my home and into a crowd. Like the many unprotected newborns and toddlers who have yet to develop a sufficient immune system to fend off most communicable diseases such as the measles, I and many other adults have compromised immune systems. I had a bone marrow transplant from treatment for leukemia less than two years ago. And as a result, I am in the process of regrowing my immune system. I am still several months away from being able to re-vaccinate myself for measles and other diseases.

Katherine Paul’s message haphazardly cites facts and anecdotal evidence against vaccinating children, yet neglects to cite the overwhelming benefits to parents, children and communities of vaccines. And more importantly, she fails to mention the risks to the lives of young and old by neglecting to vaccinate, risks that far outweigh unfounded concerns.

That some children and adults do not have functioning immune systems is not a matter to be taken lightly. I was hospitalized earlier this winter for 10 days from a common cold. Contracting the measles likely would be life threatening.

Although this fact may have escaped Paul and your editorial team, it is certainly on the minds of my wife and two young children, as well as all the parents of newborns and family members of loved ones with similarly compromised immune systems.

Quite simply, the printing of opinions such as those of Katherine Paul puts lives at risk. Perhaps society would be better served by publishing opinions that could save lives.

Rick Meres, of Norridgewock, had a bone marrow transplant two years ago and cannot yet receive vaccinations to protect him from childhood diseases.