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Hi,
I'm a mother of a 21/2 yr old girl and a boy who just turned 1. My son has his yr. check up next week and I'm scared to let him have the vaccines. My daughter had hers and she is fine, but I'm hearing all of these stories about the MMR vaccine causes Autism. I don't know if I should wait until my son is older.
What's everyone thinking or doing about this topic? Let me know it could help me with my problem. Thanks!
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| Posted by Lisa on 06/13/2008 11:33 AM
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Tough question because I don't think you are going to get one single answer -- just people's opinions.
I based my decision (my daughter just turned one) on a good friend's advice -- she's has her PhD and has a practice where she works with children with various degrees of Autism -- as well as on my pediatrician.
After spending many years studying and working with Autistic kids, she explained that a lot of the research that asserts that vaccines "cause" Autism is taken out of context. She went into long explanations into several studies that "prove" this link and shed light on how this "proof" is founded on data that does not take into account the grand scheme of things (ie, sample study, pool of participants, etc...). I realize that what I'm writing sounds completely unscientific (I'm a former English teacher; I'm right brained and scientific data driven mumbo jumbo makes sense for me at the time of explanation but after that, is of no interest to my already cluttered brain), but for me, her professional experience and testament was enough to ease my anxiety.
My pediatrician also explained that there is no evidence that vaccines "cause" Autism. She said there must be some latent predisposition to Autism in order for it to develop. Thus, she explained, that's why she looks at babies' social development. Whether they make eye contact. Interact with others. Etc...
Again, you're probably going to get a whole range of responses here. I personally tend to agree that there needs to be something already in a child that makes him/her susceptible to developing Autism or not. Like some type of hardwiring, if you will.
Good luck in making an informed decision.
Tara :) |
| posted by Tara on 06/13/2008 11:56 AM
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My understanding of autism is like Tara's. If your child had autism, you would have already started to see signs that he was autistic pretty much from the time of birth - unsociable, won't make eye contact, etc... of course depending on the degree and type of autism.
My husband and I were concerned about the risks of vaccines as well and after doing research and asking a number of experts (doctor's, etc...) we've decided that when it comes down to it you have to do what's best for your child and although there are risks with any medical treatment, the benefits of vaccination far outweighs the risks.
Because of vaccinations, the world no longer has pandemics that wipe out a whole ethnic group or country. Things like measles, mumps and rubella are no longer a concern when you send your child to school. However, if enough people continue to boycott vaccination, we could throw ourselves back in the the dark ages in terms of the number of people getting sick and what sicknesses they have.
The bottom line for us is as I said before: the benefits outweigh any of the risks. |
| posted by Stephanie on 06/13/2008 12:05 PM
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| I'm not saying that I don't want him ever to get vaccines. I'm just thinking about waiting until he is older, when his body can handle it more. |
| posted by Lisa on 06/13/2008 12:15 PM
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| For some reason, boys are at a higher risk for Autism. Since no one seems to know how or where it comes from, I chose to be safe instead of sorry with my son... He had his MMR at one and was fine. Since then I have done a lot of research and have talked with my pediatrician (who understand where I am coming from and respects my decision, but advises that vaccines are safe the way that they are given). I decided to have my son continue being vaccinated, but on a different schedule than 'normal'. Especially being home with me, the risk of him catching anything at this age is near impossible- and SO many vaccines are given all at once and so early to babies tiny bodies. Many vaccines nowadays (MMR, for instance) have so many vaccines in one. He will have all of his shots by kindergarten, it will just be spread out a little more from hear on- no more than 2 shots at once to keep his system from being overloaded. Not just for Autism, but to help prevent any reaction. My next baby will not get hep b, etc. SO early, but will still have them. Neither have or will have rotovirus at all since they are not in day care. Dr. Sears has a book on it. There is also some info on his website regarding his proposed vaccine schedule versus the norm. |
| posted by Lauren on 06/13/2008 12:51 PM
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We have chosen to not vaccinate our children. We researched this decision and made it together. Autism can be seen in early infancy and is devistating. The mecury in the vaccines is what is thought to be the cause of autism. Some of the governmental research agencies are now claiming that the autism gene lays dormant and the vaccine activates it, thus causing autism. By the time most children reach school age they have had over 40 vaccines racing through their little systems. The purpose of a vaccine is to create an immune response so that the next time the body sees the disease it reacts quickly and stomps out the chance of it causing damage. As a parent I can understand the frustration of is it okay vs. don't do it and then my child gets sick anyway.
We decided not to for a couple of reasons. First most of the diseases that are vaccinated against will not kill a child anymore. If a child contracts Measles, Mumps, or Rubella they will most likely not die, they will be sick, but with the medicines available today they will be fine. Medicine has evolved to be able to handle these issues. Before no one knew what to do or how to help. Some of the vaccines are purely convience like the varcella vaccine, come on who needs to be vaccinated against the chicken pocks? Also, in the last few years when there has been an outbreak of a disease in the united states over half of the ones who have contracted the disease and become sick from it are those who have been vaccinated. I fully understand many parents are not going to agree with what I have said, but I don't take a doctors word for it, I did my own research asked my friends, educated people, and doctors. My peditrician also agrees with our choice. All 50 states allow you to opt of vaccines for school, some only allow medical and religious objections, but some like mine also allow philosophical objections as well. This is just my opinion and before I was a stay at home mommy I was an RN and have seen the best and worst case scenerios of every possible disease.
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| posted by Shanna on 06/13/2008 01:03 PM
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HI Lisa,
Just wanted to let you know that I had my daughter's MMR at 1 and she was just fine. Then again, boys are 4 times as likely to have Autism. My son just turned 20 months and hasn't had his MMR yet. My doctors are fine with this. He was sick at 12 months and 15 months, and then I had concerns about him not talking as much as his sister did at his age. So I delayed his MMR to 2 yrs and will reevaluate how he is speaking at that time to see if I want to postpone it to 2 1/2. I know that I would have been kicking myself right now if I had gotten it and blamed either myself or the MMR for his speech. which is perfectly normal, just not near what his sister was doing. My son doesn't go to daycare or preschool. It is a personal decision, and one where I think your doctor should respect and not pressure. Just my humble opinion though. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Sue |
| posted by Sue on 06/13/2008 02:04 PM
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| The topic of vaccines is scary in general. If your Mother's heart is telling you to wait, you probably should listen. There isn't any harm in waiting until his body is stronger, since measels, mumps and ruebella (MMR) are all but gone from our country. They are not completely gone of course, but his chances of contracting these diseases in the next year or two are pretty slim. I have not vaccinated either of my two children at all. I don't think waiting a while is a big deal, and if it is what you feel is best for your child, you should wait. Spend the next year or two learning about vaccines, and the side affects vs. the actual threat of contracting the disease. The facts may surprise you. It sounds like you know what is best. Follow your heart! |
| posted by JDT on 06/13/2008 06:26 PM
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| Thank You all for your good advise. I have talked with his Dr. and they said if I want to wait it's my choice. So for right now that's what we are going to do. Thanks again for the help. |
| posted by Lisa on 06/13/2008 08:20 PM
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| Hi Lisa. My son is 10 months and since he was born I've done a ton of research on my own. He had all his vaccinations up untill his 9 month apt. My pediatrician was not happy with my decision and that's OK. From what I've learned I have decided to wait untill my son turn's 2 years old and then he will only be vaccinated against illnesses he is at risk for. You need to do your own research and use what your gut tells you is right for YOU and YOUR FAMILY. Good luck! |
| posted by Karin on 06/14/2008 01:02 PM
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| First off only you know what is best for your child. Talk to your pediatrician about your concerns. More than likely you can work out a different shot routine that better suites your family. I have two cousins, they are sisters, who have varying degrees of autism. Both showed early signs of the disease, which is genetic and acts like the asthma gene. |
| posted by DB on 06/17/2008 02:05 PM
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| I respect the decision of those not wanting to vaccinate their kids. But I will be really upset if they don't report it to the schools where my child will be attending. I thinks as it is their choice not to vaccinate them, it is my choice not wanting an unvaccinated child near mine. I know it sounds discriminating but this is about getting expose to a disease that might be or not be life threating. Pertussis, Polio and meningitis and life threating in the sense they attack the brain and nervous system. Vaccines lower the risk of infection to this diseases. Meaning if a vaccinated might get them but it won;t be as bad since the antibodies will recognize the infection and attack it. |
| posted by veronica on 06/17/2008 08:51 PM
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Unless a parent tells you that they do not vaccinate, then the schools by law can not tell you. That would be a violation of HIPPA. Vaccines are "supposed to provide immunity if exposed to the disease." So if your child is vaccinated then it should not be a problem, second if the child has any of these diseases they are likely not going to be attending school. Pertusis does not attack the brain adn or surrounding areas. Menigitis affects the meniges the layer of tissue surrounding the spinal cord and brain. Which can pose a problem if left untreated, but most nonvaccing parents I know are even more vigilant about their childrens health. Less than 10% of those who contact menigitis will actually die from it. So if you take into account how frequently it is contracted and put the 10% to it, it is actually very rare. Also bacterial menigitis which is the deadly form, is transmitted though salvia and respiratory secretions. The children would have to be in close contact. Also signs and symptoms include fever, vomitting ,and sweating (flu-like) so a child should not be around anyone anyways.
To me it is no different than a parent who smokes sending their child to school in clothes with the smoke residue on them, in their hair, on their bag, on their clothes. This is putting a carcinogen in direct contact with my child and their belongings. |
| posted by Shanna on 06/17/2008 11:57 PM
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| Can't believe I missed this post, but I was on vacation for a few weeks. Lisa, I would advise you to go back to former posts on this site because there have been A LOT of discussions on vaccinations. Some have been titled 'Mercury in Our Babies' Vaccines, 'Vaccines', and 'Varicella Vaccine'. I am a physician and do not vaccinate. If you go to these former posts (if they're still up), they will explain why. I can repeat myself if anybody wants me to, but looking up these posts will do the job. I did end one of my posts talking about the Amish people in Lancaster County, PA. If Autism has nothing to do with environmental factors (pesticides, pollutants, heavy metals, vaccines, etc...), then, statistically speaking, the rate of Autism in the Amish should be rising like the rest of the general population...and is definitely is not!!! I will be more than happy to give you any info I have on this subject. |
| posted by Allison on 06/22/2008 12:03 AM
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| In regards to your child attending school with a child who has not been vaccinated, the school will know who has and who hasn't. If a child hasn't been vaccinated and they or any other child in the school has one of those diseases, the child who has not been vaccinated cannot attend the school. I was vaccinated as a youth, but I didn't have proof of it, and I had to sign something that said that if there was a measles outbreak, I would not attend school until the problem didn't exsist anymore. Hope that helps. |
| posted by Miranda on 06/22/2008 05:53 PM
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FYI...It is estimated that over 95-99% of school aged children are vaccinated. When a particular disease outbreak occurs, it is typically the vaccinated children who not only bring the disease to the school, but also contract the disease (but not all of the time).
I think it was Shanna who said it in this post; and I directly took every single disease in a different post and listed the treatment of each disease. In almost every single disease in which we vaccinate for, the treatment is to do NOTHING. Just keep the child well hydrated and watch for any out of control fevers. Most childhood diseases are viral, in which there is no pharmacologic treatment. There are a couple of diseases where antibiotics are indicated (ie. bacterial meningitis).
It is always important to use a risk to benefit ratio when making any decision. In my case, I figure it like this: 1) I have a son 2) autism rates are roughly 1/93 for boys (because estrogen in girls protects the brain) 3) most of these diseases are not life threatening (just extremely uncomfortable) 4) KNOWN toxins are in vaccines (mercury is not the only culprit) 4) these viral/bacterial diseases in vaccines do not enter the body the way they do naturally. Most diseases normally enter the body through the mucus membranes, and vaccines are given straight into the blood stream; thus inducing a different type of immunity than would normally be encountered by an invader. These are just a few of the reasons I do not vaccinate.
There is an alternative schedule when vaccinating: No more than 1 vaccine at a time spaced 6 months apart. To go a step further, waiting to vaccinate until a child is 2 years old is more ideal. The brain grows rapidly from the 3rd trimester until age 2. During this rapid development, toxins and 'junk' should not be introduced into the child's system (this includes certain foods and refraining from using pesticides in, or around the home).
I know the vaccine/autism debate is a hot one. But with the autism rate being 1/93 for boys (1/150 overall), and most of these childhood diseases are not deadly; I'll take my chances with not vaccinating. I concede that there was a time and place for vaccinations; but the pharmaceutical companies have just gone completely overboard. Before your child gets his/her next vaccination, look up all of the ingredients in the vaccine. If you understand what all the ingredients are, how they might affect the brain/body, and you're ok with it, then go for it.
If anyone wants more info on why one might choose not to vaccinate, I will be more than willing to disseminate info. My choice comes mainly from reading a lot of medical journals on how the immune system reacts (or over-reacts) to vaccinations, and how the brain reacts to vaccinations and the individual components in the vaccine. |
| posted by Allison on 06/22/2008 09:35 PM
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| I meant that the schol will know, who has been and not...you do have to sign a waiver. However the parents will not know and will not be allowed to know. In my state, MI, the school will give you the choice of whether you want your child to attend or not, if an outbreak does occur. I have a friend whose huband and his brother were not vaccinated, but their mother forged their records and so the school let them in. |
| posted by Shanna on 06/22/2008 10:03 PM
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I understand your worry in this issue. I have a 15 month old boy that I lost sleep over prior to his 1 year check up too. After my research, I found that the reason that no one can link autism to one particular vaccine is that the doctors give so many at once. There have been associations with autism and other "live" vaccines too. I also read that some vaccines aren't even that effective when given so early in life and that is why they have to be given many times. I highly believe in getting the DTaP since Pertussis is most fatal in babies under 12 months and if they get it, they aren't just uncomfortable, they are miserable for several weeks and may have recurring bouts of coughing. My son got a virus that gave him a cough that was so bad that he couldn't breath and that wasn't Pertussis!
With this in mind, I have chosen to give my child his vaccines, but in a modified schedule. I make sure that he only gets 2 vaccines at the most with only 1 of them being a live vaccine with at least 6 weeks in between doses. I chose to put off the MMR and have him take the Varicella. I may even put off the MMR until his 18 month too just to give him some more time. I would put it off until 2 years if I could, but I start back to work in the fall and our state won't let him into daycare without it.
I am glad that you had your doctor wait. Now you will have at least 3 more months to look into this to make your own decision so that you feel comfortable about it.
By the way, I worked as an EMT for several years and I think it makes me more paranoid. :) |
| posted by Lisa on 06/22/2008 10:09 PM
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For any of those interested, I just found the previous vaccine posts on pages 5 and 9 on this site. I wanted to cut and paste something I wrote in an earlier post on page 5:
One thing about the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. This is a 3 in one shot of LIVE viruses. There have been autopsies done on people with autism who have passed away, and the measles virus has been found (living) in the brain and gastrointestinal tract. Not only has the disease been found (the strains from the vaccination), but also mutated versions of the measles have been discovered. What this means is the immune system stays constantly activated trying to get rid of these live viruses. This constant activation is what causes neurological damage and autoimmune disease in predisposed individuals. Our immune system is made to react quickly, get rid of an invader, and turn off. With live viruses, the amount of vaccinations given, and how closely they are given, the immune system never gets a chance to shut off. Thus, unintended damage occurs.
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| posted by Allison on 06/22/2008 10:44 PM
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Now I've started and I can't shut up. What I just posted previously about the MMR vaccine causing constant activation of the immune system is the same reason children should not receive multiple vaccines spaced too closely.
Think about it this way: the vaccine (a foreign invader) is introduced to the body. The body reacts with an immune response equivalent to throwing a bomb at the invader. Inevitably, there is some collateral damage from that bomb exploding and the intense immune activity. The same thing is happening in the brain from vaccines. Because the immune system is constantly activated trying to get rid of these diseases, the brain thinks it has to constantly 'throw bombs' at these foreign invaders. The collateral damage to the brain is what is suspected to cause neurological damage, and, in the body, trigger autoimmune disorders at some point in life. |
| posted by Allison on 06/22/2008 11:08 PM
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Allison - not that I'm an expert, but the study that you are referencing was the study originally done by a British doctor (Wakefield) that was found to be full of holes and the doctor is now being prosecuted for fraud concerning this study. There have been many attempts to recreate his work, but there has been no success.
The actual increase in Autism is related to the redefining of it to include all of the Autistic Spectrum of Disorders. I linked the article speaking of this in Lisa's other post - under Mothers of boys. Basically it speaks of the fact that if we took out all of the added Autism diagnosis because of the change in definition, the increase in Autism would be small. There is also a causal link with the varicella vaccine too. I responded to both of Lisa's threads, so I can't figure out what I already linked here or there, but I spoke of this too.
That said, I'm still waiting until he's older just because I think they give out too many vaccines too early for kids who stay home. If your kid is going to daycare, that's one thing, but .... |
| posted by Lisa on 06/23/2008 01:20 AM
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Lisa- the study I am referring to was actually conducted by neurologist Russell L. Blaylock, M.D. To my knowledge, there have not been holes knocked in this study; but if you think this is wrong, just give me your source and I will be more than happy to check it out. I don't claim that I know it all, or that I've read it all. But the study I referred to in both of my posts was definitely not by a British doctor. You can just google Russell Blaylock, M.D. to find his work.
Additionally, if you go to Jenny McCarthy's website (I think it is taca.org), there is a clear statement from the CDC that states the autism rates have risen to 1/150 without the inclusion of the spectrum disorders. If I have her website wrong, just google Jenny McCarthy and autism. |
| posted by Allison on 06/23/2008 09:47 PM
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Hey Lisa,
I rounded up the most recent article I could find on Dr. Wakefield. I'll just go ahead and cut and past it. It's from 7/16/2006:
Title: Andrew Wakefield may not now face misconduct charges
LONDON, UK: The doctor at the heart of the MMR vaccine controversy may not face charges of misconduct, despite a 20-month investigation which has devastated his professional reputation.
Britain's General Medical Council has indicated that it will not proceed with charges against Dr Andrew Wakefield, who first suggested a link between the triple jab and autism.
Dr Wakefield has been strongly backed by the parents of autistic children allegedly damaged by the vaccine, who refused to condemn his actions when interviewed as part of the inquiry.
On July 15, the families claimed the investigation had been used to discredit his work and prevent further study into the risks of the vaccine.
Dr Wakefield first suggested a link between the triple vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella and autism and bowel disease in 1998, after carrying out tests on 12 children admitted to the Royal Free Hospital in London with serious bowel disorders. He proposed that parents be offered three single injections.
The British government denied there was a problem with the vaccine and it became a politically sensitive issue after senior Labour figures, including the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, refused to disclose whether their children had received the jab. Dr Wakefield was ostracised by the medical establishment and has since moved to America.
In late 2004, the GMC announced it was launching an inquiry into allegations of serious professional misconduct against Dr Wakefield and two former colleagues. It centred on claims that autistic children admitted to the hospital with serious bowel problems were subjected to "unnecessary and invasive" tests.
However, the children's parents are understood to have staunchly defended the doctors' actions, praising them as the first to take their concerns seriously.
It was also claimed Dr Wakefield's research had not been valid because he failed to disclose a £50,000 grant from the lawyers of parents attempting to sue MMR's manufacturers for their children's disorders. Dr Wakefield has consistently argued that the grant was for separate research.
Nearly two years later, the GMC has not drawn up any formal charges against Dr Wakefield and no date has been set for a public hearing, at which scientific arguments for a link between MMR and autism would have been aired. GMC spokeswoman Jo Wren said there was now "no guarantee" that there would ever be a hearing.
New figures released last week revealed that more than one in 100 children in the UK suffer from autism - far higher than previously thought.
On July 15, Rosemary Kessick, the mother of an autistic boy whose treatment is part of the investigation, accused the GMC of allowing itself to be used as part of a deliberate government campaign to smear Dr Wakefield and prop up public confidence in MMR.
"Hundreds of autistic children with the serious bowel disease first identified by Dr Wakefield have been unable to get any treatment in the UK, and the drawn-out GMC investigation has played a major role in this disgraceful state of affairs," she said.
"It is deeply disturbing that Dr Wakefield's research findings and personal integrity have been so damagingly called into question on the basis of draft charges that may, in the end, simply be dropped."
On July 15, Dr Wakefield confirmed that no charges had been filed to date.
The news that he might not face charges was welcomed by Dr Wakefield's supporters. Jackie Fletcher, of the pressure group, Jabs, said: "It is appalling that they can have the power to hold this over someone's head for close on two years. It has been an absolute witch-hunt. All he was guilty of was listening to what parents said, clinically investigating the children and then reporting his findings. All he did was hold up a red flag and say, 'There's something going on that needs to be investigated further'."
Dr Wakefield's small-scale study was called into question when various larger surveys failed to find any evidence of a link between autism and the vaccine.
Last year, an analysis of 31 MMR studies by the respected Cochrane Library found no association between the jab and the condition, and the Government has repeatedly assured parents that it is safe to vaccinate their children.
However, the idea has refused to go away. Last month, a study by doctors in North Carolina reported finding measles in the intestines of children with a form of autism.
And last week, it was revealed that autism is at a record high with more than one in 100 children affected.
The GMC investigation into Dr Wakefield started in late 2004, when The Lancet publicly rejected his findings because he failed to reveal he received £55,000 in legal aid to carry out separate research for parents who claimed their children had been harmed by the jab.
Preliminary charges included failing to obtain GMC approval before his work appeared in print, obtaining funding "improperly" and subjecting children to "unnecessary and invasive investigations."
(Source: Mail on Sunday, July 16, 2006)
Like I said, my info was from a neurologist, and Dr. Wakefield is a gastrointerologist. But let me know if you have a more recent bit of info.
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| posted by Allison on 06/23/2008 10:10 PM
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Thanks Allison for the update. I didn't mean anything as an attack or personal in any way. I, like you, am doing research so that I can make the best decision for my son and the government makes it impossible for us to know if we should trust them at all. I also know there is a ton of "conspiracy theories" out there about various other topics, so I want everyone to know that take what people post in and use it as a spring board to your learning. If you take what I say or what Allison says as gospel because it defends your point of view, then you may be doing a disservice to your child and no one wants that. You have to feel comfortable with your own decision.
Well, Allison, you gave me some more homework. Take care! |
| posted by Lisa on 06/24/2008 12:41 AM
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And Jenny's site is http://www.healautismnow.org/
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| posted by Lisa on 06/24/2008 12:49 AM
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No offense taken at all Lisa!!! I, like you, am all about current, reputable research. In your first post to me, when you mentioned 'Wakefield', I had no idea it was the same Dr. Andrew Wakefield that worked with Jenny McCarthy's group. I also did not know about the hoopla surrounding him in London.
In saying that, I would urge anyone interested in Dr. Wakefield's study connecting inflammatory bowel disease (most often commencing after the MMR vaccine) and the onset of autism to go to Jenny's website and read a presentation the doctor gave on the subject. I've got to warn you, it is very heavily laden with medical jargon, so if anyone wants an interpretation of any part I will be glad to do so. He addresses the study conducted in London that discredited his original study on the gut-autism link and claims that this (the study discrediting his) study was actually flawed and explains how the study was flawed.
I think (and this is only my opinion) that Dr. Wakefield should absolutely be commended for his observations as a physician. Here you have a gastrointerologist who was astute enough to recognize that many of his patients who had inflammatory bowel disease also had autism. Some docs would have just kept their blinders on because autism is not their specialty; but Dr. Wakefield saw the trend and decided to investigate it.
What many people do not know is that the gut contains the largest part of the body's immune system and also has it's own nervous system: The Enteric Nervous System. Its nerve cells are bathed and influenced by the same neurotransmitters as the brain. The gut can upset the brain just as the brain can upset the gut. So once one understands this, it makes more sense that if live measels are found in the gut and envoke inflammation; the same inflammation can be happening in the brain (which causes the features of autism). In many instances, if one cleans up the gut and gets rid of the inflammation, the inflammation also recedes in the brain.
I know this discussion has been about Dr. Wakefield and his studies (by the way, if you go to Jenny's site and read his conference notes, you will find many, many scientists who concur with him), but I want to let the mom's out there know that I do not think that vaccines are the only cause of autism.
When I was in medical school, I had to take a course called Environmental Medicine. After taking that class I wanted to throw my hands up in the air because it seemed that every single thing in the environment was toxic: solvents, brand new furniture, new carpets, pesticides, vaccines, foods, pollution, plastics, mercury, aluminum (check your deoderant ladies), other heavy meatals, etc... When I had my son, I decided to do what I could to limit his toxic exposure to things. The biggest dose of toxins given to our children come in the form of vaccines; so I decided against vaccinating. Additionally, I have not let my husband use pesticides in, or around our home because there is no question that pesticides are neurotoxins. I breastfeed my son, feed him organic food and just try to live a good, clean life.
It seems to me that the conclusion these different doctors are coming to when it comes to autism is chronic inflammation. This inflammation can come from many sources (most of which I mentioned above). But once again, the reason I think the focus is on vaccines is because this is where our children receive direct, multiple shots of toxins into their tiny little bodies over a very short time period.
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| posted by Allison on 06/24/2008 03:50 PM
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Read this all mommies, the ones that are pro and against vaccinations. Specially those against vaccinations.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/08/21/measles.outbreaks.ap/index.html?eref=rss_topstories
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| posted by veronica on 08/26/2008 05:19 PM
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Veronica,
I have heard all of this before, a few years ago the same disease had an outbreak on the East Coast and then they said over 75% of those sick had been vaccinated. It is just like with everything else in life, nothing is 100%. A child can be vaccinated or not vaccinated and still catch the disease. My question is why inject a foriegn subtance into the body in the hopes that it will work?
"The vaccine is considered highly effective but not perfect; 11 of this year's cases had at least one dose of the vaccine.
Of this year's total, 122 were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. Some were unvaccinated because the children were younger than 1, too young to get their first measles shot.
In 63 of those cases -- almost all of them 19 or younger -- the patient or their parents refused the shots for philosophical or religious reasons, the CDC reported."
This was taken directly from the article. If you do the math 8% were vaccinated, 47% were not vaccinated and 45% were not vaccinated because of age. So in theory, only half of the children involved had been unvaccinated because of a parents choice and the others had been or couldn't be.
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| posted by Shanna on 08/26/2008 09:44 PM
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