I read the article ‘Vaccine confidence low in Europe, raising disease outbreak risk’ (October 24).

When I was young, it was nearly mandatory that schoolchildren get vaccination shots before entering school in the US. Additionally, it was a routine for my parents to drag me (and themselves) to a medical doctor’s office (usually in October) to get a flu shot.

Admittedly, in recent years, I, too, was sceptical when the ‘wrong strain vaccine’ was administered and I’d get the flu, anyway. However, I am solidly glad that I received my tetanus, measles, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping-cough) , pneumonia and shingles vaccines.

I am currently aged 54 and I have absolutely no regrets about getting those shots. This year, I got a flu shot. I am hoping to have confidence in the shot.

I listen to the news and know that many people needlessly die as a complication due to lack of being vaccinated. I decided to ‘take a chance’.

I would encourage any parent in Europe (or elsewhere) to ‘take a chance’ and get their child (or themselves) vaccinated.

It may save your life.