A lesson from the teacher
Basic warning
If you are parents, or thinking of becoming parents, PLEASE educate yourselves about innoculations and the risks that they pose. Also, sometimes it is not enough to ask your doctor. Medical personnel are probably very reluctant to say anything negative about vaccinations because they can be so helpful to our little ones.
Quick and dirty background
Previously, a mercury-based preservative was used in most routine vaccines. In 1999, the amount of Thimerosal was reduced, but not all shots are mercury-free. There has been suggested correlation between childhood immunizations and the onset of autism based on the levels of mercury that children with autism have.
Bottom line
No one knows what causes autism, but there are a few key facts that should be considered:
1. We are in the midst of an autism epidemic. One out of 166 children is autistic. 4 out of 5 autistic kids are boys.
2. The Amish (who routinely do not have their children vaccinated) have extremely low rates of autism, perhaps as low as 5 - 10 children in the whole Amish culture today.
3. Homeschooled children (who also do not have their children vaccinated as often as public school attenders) also have low levels of autism.
4. There is no cure for autism! Shouldn't we be looking for a prevention?
Conclusion
Sorry for the boring post. This is something that I am passionate about. Not neccessarily avoiding childhood vaccinations (because, fundamentally, vaccinations are a good thing), but being educated about them.
If you are parents, or thinking of becoming parents, PLEASE educate yourselves about innoculations and the risks that they pose. Also, sometimes it is not enough to ask your doctor. Medical personnel are probably very reluctant to say anything negative about vaccinations because they can be so helpful to our little ones.
Quick and dirty background
Previously, a mercury-based preservative was used in most routine vaccines. In 1999, the amount of Thimerosal was reduced, but not all shots are mercury-free. There has been suggested correlation between childhood immunizations and the onset of autism based on the levels of mercury that children with autism have.
Bottom line
No one knows what causes autism, but there are a few key facts that should be considered:
1. We are in the midst of an autism epidemic. One out of 166 children is autistic. 4 out of 5 autistic kids are boys.
2. The Amish (who routinely do not have their children vaccinated) have extremely low rates of autism, perhaps as low as 5 - 10 children in the whole Amish culture today.
3. Homeschooled children (who also do not have their children vaccinated as often as public school attenders) also have low levels of autism.
4. There is no cure for autism! Shouldn't we be looking for a prevention?
Conclusion
Sorry for the boring post. This is something that I am passionate about. Not neccessarily avoiding childhood vaccinations (because, fundamentally, vaccinations are a good thing), but being educated about them.
posted by Amanda
at
9:37 PM
12 Comments:
Not boring, AS. It's good, useful information. If you're passionate about it, write about it!
I've read info about this as well, as to all the things that go into a vaccine. I'm not sure what I'd do when I become a parent, but I'd look long and hard before I began injecting my wee ones. Way to go AS!
not boring. what will you do with dillon?
I think vaccinations are important but I definitely agree we shouldn't just give our children up to 48 immunization shots before they are age 12 without looking at what they are getting!
It is a tough call. I get sheets of information on every shot that Isabella gets but I'm probably a little too trusting that they are exactly what she needs.
One tricky part is that the state requires most vaccinations and many doctors/clinics will refuse to treat your child if they are not current on their shots.
Just one of the thousands of worries for parents :)
Hm. Very informative. We are behind on Micker Macker's Shots... Haven't really thought about this before.
This is really helpful information, and definitely something important for parents to consider. If I ever have kids, you can bet I will get them vaccinated for polio and other life threatening and debilating diseases--I'll just take my chances on the autism. But maybe not for chicken pox and other not quite so serious diseases.
If you want to read the CDC's side of the argument on the link between MMR immunization and autism, you might go here: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vacsafe/concerns/autism/default.htm
the correct link is:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vacsafe/
concerns/autism/default.htm
Hey. I just noticed that you're reading Redeeming Love. My favorite! Is this your first time reading it?
i am not sure what i will do with dillon. he will get his first shot before he even leaves the hospital though! i guess i will try to discuss it with his pediatrician and see where that gets me.
i am by NO MEANS a radical person. i think vaccinations are a good thing. i just want to make an informed decision.
jes - i haven't ever read Redeeming Love before. i'll let you know what i think.
jlr - thanks for the link!
Wow, I had no idea about this. Looks like there's a definite link between vaccinations and autism. I'm going to show this to my Nurse Practitioner friends. Thanks.
http://adventuresinautism.blogspot.com/2005/06/where-i-stand-on-vaccines.html
well said, from the parent of a child with autism.
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