Final Research and Conclusion

                This topic of vaccinations has been a revolution of sorts to me; not in that I've changed my opinion of vaccines being important, but in that I’m not quite so judgmental of those that choose not to vaccinate.  As I continued researching my topic, I was finally able to find an article that I felt brought up some valid points for the argument against vaccines.  Until this point, I was unable to find anything from a medical professional or reliable source; when I came across the article Hidden in Plain Sight: Vaccines as a Major Risk Factor for Chronic Disease written by Richard Moskowitz, M.D., I was truly excited to see some proof of the other side.  This article gave interesting information on some chronic diseases; some of its main points being the reasons that he felt these issues were often overlooked as being caused by the vaccines themselves.  Moskowitz believed that reasons such as: time lapses after the vaccines, they may worsen issues that already exist, they may be working with other disease-promoting factors and they “mainly represent non-specific effects of the vaccination process itself, rather than specific effects of the specific vaccines.” (Moskowitz, 112)  Although Moskowitz makes some interesting points within the examples he gives in his article, I feel that his examples so rarely occur that they cannot apply to the general population.  Freak occurrences happen within medicine all the time; not everyone is going to respond to all medications or treatments the same.  To me, Moskowitz’s just proves my previous statement about the importance of parent’s doing proper research before vaccinating; for example, if you have a history of other disorders or allergies within your family, it is crucial to properly research the vaccines.  Not all children can receive all vaccines, it’s important for parents to know if and why their children cannot. 

                This whole article led me to wonder, how many parents actually don’t vaccinate their children?  I decided to put this question to the test by asking my Facebook family.  My interest in the controversy of vaccinations first came to my attention from posts and statuses I saw on Facebook, so what better place to ask.  I posed the question of a simple Yes or No answer to whether or not people vaccinated their children.  I made a point to state that I wanted only yes or no answers; I didn't want any opinions voiced here.  I did however encourage anyone that had a strong opinion one way or the other to personal message me.  Through my survey thus far, I have found that only 2 in 50 families have not vaccinated their children.  So, this brought a new question to mind for me; does it really matter if so few people choose not to vaccinate?

                Finding an answer to my new question didn't take too much searching.  I came across an interesting concept called “Herd Immunity.”  Herd immunity is the idea that by vaccinating, you not only protect yourself from the disease, but the community as a whole.  William Schaffner, M.D., of the department of preventative medicine at Vanderbilt University explained that “unvaccinated people are protected because they are surrounded by people who are immune, so it’s harder for the bad bug to find unprotected individuals.”(Schaffner, 6)  Although this explains why many people who are unvaccinated may still remain healthy, it’s important to point out that it is because so many others are vaccinated that it is possible for the bacteria or viruses to die out before finding a viable source to feed off.  Dr. Schaffner also goes on to point out that the immune system can handle a lot, so by getting several doses of vaccines at the same time is barely a challenge to our immune system. 

                In conclusion, my research brought me to the same opinion I initially began with; that vaccines are a crucial part of our society’s ongoing health.  I feel more confident going forward in sharing my beliefs as well as am more open to hearing others opinions on the opposition.  When I initially approached this topic, I first wanted to find out if there was any proof that vaccines caused the conditions and disorders that they were accused of; I was unable to find any true substantial evidence supporting any of these claims.  I did however learn that conditions and issues that may possibly arise following vaccinations are often times associated with already occurring conditions.  This has made me realize the absolute importance of parents doing proper research before vaccinating their children and being well informed.  I've also come to the conclusion that although I’m not supportive of not vaccinating for any other reason besides medical ones, at least through herd immunity we are more protected because of those that do get vaccinated.  I think this will continue to be a hot button topic and look forward to seeing what new information arises on it.

Works Cited

Hock, Kathryn.  “Do you Vaccinate?”  Survey.  Facebook.com. Publisher, 7, November 2013.  Web.  7 Nov.  2013.

Moskowitz, Richard.  “Hidden in Plain Sight: Vaccines as a Major Risk Factor for Chronic Disease.”  American Journal of Homeopathic Medicine  106.3 (2013): 107-119.  Consumer Health Complete.  Web.   7 Nov. 2013.

Schaffner, William.  “Herd Immunity.”  Consumer Reports on Health 23.12 (2011): 6.  Consumer Health Complete.  Web.  7 Nov. 2013.

New Evidence

More evidence that vaccines aren't linked to Autism.

Check out this clip from NBC Nightly News on new research.

View Clip Here

First Two Sources

   When I first began my research on vaccinations, I genuinely wanted to know the truth about vaccines; even if it wasn't the results I wanted to see.  Thankfully, in my research I've found plenty of information to support my opinion.  While researching I have also come to the conclusion that it is every parent’s responsibility to properly research vaccines before inoculating their children.  Although almost all of the vaccines do not have any severe problems, it is crucial to know the facts.

  I decided to first begin my research with the one place that provided and regulated all vaccinations; the Center for Disease Control or CDC.  The CDC’s website was very informative.  They have an actual page within their site that lists every vaccine possible, along with the minor to severe problems that have been associated with it. The website lists everything, including the DTap’s side effects; it gives the mild problems, moderate problems and severe problems.  It even goes so far as to give you the statistical chance of it occurring in a child.  For example, “Moderate Problems (uncommon): Seizure (jerking or staring) (about 1 child out of 14,000), non-stop crying, for 3 hours or more (up to about 1 child out of 1,000), high fever, 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher (about 1 child out of 16,000).”(Vaccines)   I think that giving information like this and in the form they choose to do so is very helpful and easy for parents to understand.   This website is incredibly accessible to parents, a reliable source of information and can be quickly navigated. 

     The second resource I found especially helpful was an article from the Pediatrics medical journal.  The article addresses how to handle parent’s concerns on the effects of vaccines on their children’s immune systems.  It first began by discussing the growing number of parent’s that are choosing not to vaccinate.  One of the main reasons being that many of the diseases have not made an appearance in their lives, believing that the disease is possibly extinct; when in reality we don’t see them because we vaccinate against them.  But due to the lack of their appearance, it causes parents to have more questions.  This particular article addressed how physicians can address parent’s concerns; “Because most parents receive information and recommendations about vaccines from their doctors, and because these recommendations carry substantial weight with parents, providers must be knowledgeable when addressing parents’ concerns.” (Offit, 124)  It goes on to explain in detail specific areas of concern and what happens within the immune system of a child.   I found this article to be very credible, it explained thoroughly what happens when the vaccines go into the body and gave me helpful tips on how to address concerns. 

     I feel like I’m on a good track so far with my research.  I have openly researched the other side of the argument and have found a lack of reliable information to support it; whereas, I found plenty of reliable information to support my original opinion.  I will continue to research and will willing give any information that pertains to the topic.

Works Cited

 Offit, Paul A., Jessica Quarles, et. al. Addressing Parents Concerns: Do Multiple Vaccines Overwhelm or Weaken the Infants Immune System? Pediatrics Vol. 109, No. 1. January 2002. <pediatrics.aappublications.org>.

Vaccines: Vac-Gen/Side Effects. 26 August 2013. <www.cdc.gov>. 

Image Analysis

     This image shows a small child that has acquired measles.  His parents choose not to vaccinate him because they believed that the disease no longer existed and the vaccine potentially caused autism.  I will state that The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Institute of Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics all concluded that scientific evidence proved that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine does not cause Autism.  This is a common misconception that many parents have regarding many of the vaccines out there.  However, it is because so many parents are choosing to not vaccinate that these diseases such as measles, mumps and pertussis have become much more common. 
      In the image, this poor little boy is covered in these large, painful spots.  Not only does he have many complications of the disease (i.e. fever, dry cough, rash); he also has to deal with the physical outcomes.  This child will likely take some time to recover from such a severe rash, as well as likely have scarring.  This would not be so upsetting if the scarring was anywhere else on his body, but his is on his face.  He will have to live with it for the rest of his life.  It's sad to think of this poor child dealing with all these terrible issues simply because his parents choose not to vaccinate him.
      You also consider who this child could of infected as well.  Measles is said to be contagious up to 4 days before the first signs of the disease appear; which means this child was probably at school, day care and playgrounds infecting all sorts of children.  Now lets assume that all the other parents of children this little boy came in contact with chose to vaccinate their children as soon as possible; what about those children that could not yet have the opportunity.  A small infant, for example, may acquired the virus from this child and could now become deathly ill simply because it went to the same day care as this boy.  Parents that choose to not vaccinate their children have that right; however, they also need to realize that their child should then not be allowed to play openly with other children because they could infect others.  By choosing not to vaccinate, you are not just making that choice for your child, but for every child yours comes in contact with. 

Research Question

Is there any evidence to support the claim that vaccinations cause developmental problems in children and if so, do the benefits of inoculations out-way the risks?

    Based on my gut feelings and experiences thus far, I would have to say that there isn't any valid proof thus far against vaccination.  It may be partly because enough research hasn't been done or that there are so many aspects that could potentially affect the outcome.  Also, with the recent outbreaks of diseases that were thought to be pretty much extinct such as pertussis or whooping cough as it is known to most, it seems highly unlikely to me that the risks could possibly out way the benefits.  In my opinion, the reemergence of this old virus may be in large part because of the number of parents choosing to not vaccinate their children.  I challenge a parent that thinks this vaccine is not necessary to see a child with whooping cough and the affects it has on them.   If any parent saw a child coughing so hard that they broke ribs, I’m sure they would reconsider their choice to not vaccinate.   

     I’m sure that those that disagree with vaccinations would have a lot to say to dispute me on the topic.  I’m sure one of their man objections would be that even one child that has developmental problems due to vaccinations is enough of a reason to not inoculate.  To them I say, show me the absolute proof that the vaccine was the direct cause of the developmental problem and I will reconsider my opinion, but until then I’ll continue to be pro-vaccine.   Another argument an anti-vaccine supporter might give is that we don’t actually know what exactly is in most vaccines, until the contents are completely exposed to us, why should we inject our bodies with them.  To this I simply respond that we don’t know all of the ingredients of thousands of foods we put into our bodies either; until you are willing to put that much effort forward to find out what is in the food, then you shouldn't be so judgmental of the vaccines.

     My main goal in writing about this topic is finding legitimate evidence that proves my pro-vaccine stance.   I also want to be able to provide accurate information to those that are asking the questions about vaccinating themselves and their families.  I hope to come out of this experience as an informed, intelligent representative of my cause.

Introduction

      The topic of vaccinations has become more and more controversial in recent years.  Many conditions and issues are being blamed on the ingredients and outcomes of vaccines.  I would like to use this blog to discuss the validity of new information on the topic.  As a health care worker, I believe in vaccines.  I have seen first hand many of the diseases these vaccines prevent and know the severity to which they can affect a patient.  On the other hand, I'm also at the age when I have begun thinking about having a family myself, so I want to know the facts to support my pro vaccination argument.
     Working in the hospital setting, I hear a large amount of information from reliable sources like doctors and nurses who are pro vaccination.  The information that they share makes me wonder why anyone would question vaccines; however, many do.  With the popularity of social media sites, issues that we ourselves may have never thought of, become literally placed in front of our faces.  I want to explore if the information I have seen on the social media sites, discounting the need for vaccines is actually valid.  Through my research, I hope to get answers for myself as well as others; making me completely confident in any decision I make for my future family.