@Yuantongsi: Actually, I am comparing mortality rates, measles vs measles vaccine, and I would guess there would not be too much difference in mortality rates between the US and China. In other words, I think the risk of death from measles in the US or China would be about the same, and I think the risk of death from measles vaccine in the US or China would also be about the same.

Healthcare quality, I think, would not have a significant statistical difference between the two countries. Nor, would healthcare quality be easily quantifiable. In the US, prior to 1963, measles was considered to be a "childhood disease" and, with symptoms easily recognizable, most of us would just stay at home and let the measles run its course. Death from measles seems to be due measles plus some other factor(s) concerning the specific patient. It is my impression the same is likely for the measles vaccine.

More concern should be focused on the likelihood of getting measles. In the US, the immunization rate was over 90%. With the full "herd immunization" effect kicking at 92 to 94%, measles was declared eliminated in 2000. "Herd immunization" benefits infants and people with cancer, organ transplants, HIV or other conditions that can weaken immune systems who cannot be vaccinated. I have no idea what the immunization rate is in China but I am confident it is nowhere near 90%.

For you, the parent, the healthcare issue becomes significant because you lack the ability to know if your child is at risk due to some immune system problem. This risk would exist for either measles or measles vaccine. I would think the risk of some unknown condition existing is higher in China.

Please do not forget: I am not a doctor.

@HFCAMPO: In the US, over the last 12 years, there have been no reported deaths from measles. Given that the measles vaccine is estimated to have prevented 35,000,000 cases of measles since 1963 and estimated measles mortality rate is .1% to .2% we would have seen, WITHOUT THE MEASLES VACCINE, over 12,000 deaths from measles for the same period.

According to an anti-vaccination nut, in the last 12 years, the measles vaccine has been responsible for a whopping 108 deaths. So because more than 12,000 deaths have been avoided by the vaccine, but 108 deaths have been caused by the vaccine, the vaccine is dangerous. The logic is, because the vaccine is effective, but has a relatively slight risk, don't get your kids vaccinated. This risk is easily calculated: Your kid is more than 100 times more likely to die from measles than to die from the vaccine.

@HFCAMPO: You asked "If your kids are vaccinated how do the unvaccinated kids affect your vaccinated kids?" Then you answered your own question: "Exactly - there should be no effect because vaccinated kids should be immune from disease." What answer are you waiting for?

Magni, I resemble your nasty/not nasty remarks. The guacamole NEVER gets on my chin! Usually it just clumps up in my beard. And I have no wife, they keep leaving me. Besides hot wings are my super bowl choice anyway.

Yea Patriots!!!!!!