Okay, where to begin...last night's Dateline presentation of the history behind the research finding a causal connection between the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine and autism in children was all in all disappointing. I was hoping for a clear representation of both sides, of the facts, and instead we got a media induced presentation that made Dr. Wakefield (whose research founded a "possible" link between autism and the MMR vaccine) look like he did bad research and the majority of the medical profession believing Wakefield's research to be the cause of bad medicine.
I could go on and on about the two sides...for I personally am not convinced one way or the other, but I will save yours and my precious time and give you the side of the scientist. (Not that I am one but I studied for years how to think like one)
Dr. Andrew Wakefield performed a causal comparative research between the independent variable (MMR vaccine) and a dependent variable (autism). This research that Wakefield worked on was peerly suggestive. He noted "suggestive" in his analysis, he noted that to the media, and noted it again last night on Dateline. Wakefield and his team of researchers were attempting to find a correlation between the two. He followed the scientific method used in any reputable test studies and his outcome showed a "causal" relationship. To many who don't understand this meaning, it became misconstrued as a definite relationship. Further studies will help prove or disprove this hypothesis.
One point Matt Lauer with Dateline made about the possibility of unsafe vaccines was that Thimerosal, an ingredient used in vaccines since the 1930's and was found to contain mercury, was "removed from all vaccines in 2002". This is not the case. In fact, Thimerosal has been removed from or reduced to trace amounts in all vaccines routinely recommended for children 6 years of age and younger, with the exception of inactivated influenza vaccine (see Table 1). A preservative-free version of the inactivated influenza vaccine (contains trace amounts of thimerosal) is available in limited supply at this time for use in infants, children and pregnant women. Some vaccines such as Td, which is indicated for older children (≥ 7 years of age) and adults, are also now available in formulations that are free of thimerosal or contain only trace amounts. Vaccines with trace amounts of thimerosal contain 1 microgram or less of mercury per dose. (http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/SafetyAvailability/VaccineSafety/UCM096228).
Last fall I called my son's pediatrician to ask if they had a thimerosal free MMR vaccine. They replied that the thimerosal free MMR vaccine is only available at the county health clinic. So it is incorrect to say that the ingredient Thimerosal was "removed from all vaccines in 2002". It clearly was not.
So this episode of Dateline was a complete disappointment. There were inaccuracies and misinterpretations of Wakefield's research. I do not deny how important vaccines are to protect the public from deadly diseases. But I also do not deny a POSSIBLE connection between vaccines and other negative side affects...one which could include changes in brain activity. We don't know all the side affects. We don't know 100% how our bodies work and how or why things affect them. History of vaccines and other medical methods show inconsistencies. It shows that medicine changes and evolves from mistakes. Vaccine safety is always evolving. Make a vaccine that we know doesn't affect our children negatively, then "recommend" it to our children.
Okay, I would like any of you interested to respond. This is a very important topic to discuss as it affects all of us! Make your voice heard...join in the conversation and respond by comment to this posting.
Can't wait to hear!
Mommy Bridget
I actually thought last nights broadcast was pretty informational. In as well as they could they told both sides and I am almost 95% convinced the MMR vaccine does not cause Autism but I'm glad they aren't completely dismissing his findings and are continuing to study data. The $64,000 questions is still......why such an increase in autism in the last decade?
ReplyDeleteStill, I wouldn't want my child sitting next to an unvaccinated child in school.
Mom of 4
If you have faith that vaccines work so well, I don't know why you would be so concerned with your child sitting next to an unvaccinated child in school. Your child is...by the way. The more parents who take the time to do the research on vaccines, the less that are choosing to subject their children to the danger of the MANY preservatives, not just Thimerosal, and other harmful ingredients, such as CHICKEN EMBRYO'S, ABORTED (human) FETAL TISSUE, just to name a few (just research the chicken pox vaccine and the flu vaccine, and you'll find both of those). Most of the diseases we vaccinate our childen for, are not a threat to our children at all. But the harmful, often not talked about, do you even know what you are injecting your child with(?), vaccines are emerging as a great threat to our children's long term health. As parents we have a moral obligation to research thoroughly what we decide to inject DIRECTLY into our childrens' blood stream (which is not how any of these diseases are "caught" in their natural state, which causes more problems than you could ever imagine, if you truly know how your immune system works). Honestly, I don't trust the CDC, WHO, OUR GOVERNMENT, or PHARMECEUTIAL COMPANIES, which are all basically one in the same, to tell me what is healthy or safe for my child, when their only interest is in how fast they can make as much money as possible. Do your homework. And if you still decide to vaccinate your kids, if they do have an adverse reaction, which are A LOT more common than ever reported, hopefully you'll notice, hopefully you'll make the connection, and hopefully you'll know who to report it to, because it isn't your Pediatrician. Who, by the way, makes commissions on how many vaccines they give, and your state makes commissions on how many children are fully vaccinated by the age of two, immunize by two...it
ReplyDelete's up to you....because your local Governemnt WANTS MONEY.