Chapter 4.2 in
the "Scientific Perspectives on Pseudoscience and the Paranormal" the
author Timothy J. Lawson discussed in one section a possible link between
autism and the MMR vaccine. Although the strong evidence and statistics
presented in the book sided with the vaccine having no link in causing Autism
in children, I still have my doubts and I do not seem to be alone in this either.
Let me start you off with a basic list of ingredients that are common in all vaccines according to the CDC: Aluminum, Antibiotics, Egg protein,
Formaldehyde, Monosodium glutamate (MSG), and Thimerosal. After looking at this
list for the first time I was surprised it was legal for such harsh ingredients to be aloud in vaccines.
Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative which was
studied by the CDC specifically because of it high possibility of being the
cause of autism. Although their result showed no link the CDC still lowered the
amount of Thimerosal used to trace amounts. Formaldehyde, although is ALMOST
completely removed from the vaccines before packaging, is found in trace
amounts in vaccines. This ingredient is not only highly toxic to all animals
but is also carcinogenic.
A study done back in 1998 published in an issue of
the Lancet, Andrew Wakefield, FRCS, of Royal Free Hospital in London found
evidence that linked gastrointestinal problems and autism. Wakefield and PaulShattock, (biochemist-pharmacist who is founder of the Autism Research Unit at
the University of Sunderland, England) hypothesize that the combination of the
three live viruses in the MMR could overload the immature immune systems of
some toddlers leading to neurological problems such as autism. Theres a tough choice for new parents these days. There is a risk of their
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Concerns/Autism/Index.html
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/additives.htm
http://www.webmd.com/children/vaccines/features/vaccine-linked-to-autism?page=2
http://www.webmd.com/children/vaccines/features/vaccine-linked-to-autism?page=2
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i believe that the benefits of vaccines outweigh the potential side effects. We are all to young to know the destruction that viruses such as polio have caused prior to its extinction in the United States.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Andrew in saying that the benefits outweigh potential side effects, however this post has made me more cautious. I did not have any idea that such ingredients were included in vaccinations and I can see how they would be dangerous to the body, and raise possible questions. I am certainly going to look more into any vaccination before receiving it from now on.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Andrew in saying that the benefits outweigh potential side effects, however this post has made me more cautious. I did not have any idea that such ingredients were included in vaccinations and I can see how they would be dangerous to the body, and raise possible questions. I am certainly going to look more into any vaccination before receiving it from now on.
ReplyDeleteI believe in vaccinations. I am a nurse and I feel that by not vaccinating we are creating a public health issue. A few years ago I had pertussis. Who would have thought? I contracted the disease from an unvaccinated child that I treated in the ER. After there was a small outbreak of it, The hospital required that we recieve the vaccine.
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