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.
Katy,
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree with getting all three of my children every vaccine that is recommended to them. There is a reason they are around and without them I think we would be a lot worse off as a country than we already are. At the age of six weeks my son got whooping cough and RSV. He was miserably sick! We had to spend a week down at the hospital because he was on oxygen, monitors and needed to be monitored by doctors. I was so upset and scared that my other children who were three years old and four years old would get this cough. Their doctor told me that since I got them the vaccines that they needed, their chances of getting it were very slim and if they did it would be minimal and wouldn’t affect them as much as a child who never got that shot. My oldest son has an immune deficiency disorder and he gets sick very easy. What may just be a cold to you, will turn into RSV or pneumonia for my son. I believe that if I didn’t treat him with the vaccines that these scientists are discovering and helping people be healthy, my son either would be sick 24/7 or would be have to be in a bubble. I think you have a great topic and I hope that with your essay more people will see why they need to get these vaccines that are being brought to us.
I feel that this is a really conflicting topic to research and that you will be able to find lots of research and studies for both the pro and the con side. I think this is a great subject to cover as I feel that every parent could benefit from as much information as possible before they make a decision to vaccinate or not. I know people on both sides of the argument and feel like it is an entirely personal decision for what each parent feels is the best for their child. I know people who have chosen not to vaccinate and have children who have always been very healthy as well as people who have vaccinated their children and their children seem to catch every little cold that goes around, as well as the opposite. Every person has an immune system that is going to operate differently than someone else's. One area of this debate that I have always found fascinating is that the training that doctors receive about vaccinations is largely funded by the huge vaccination manufacturers and therefore fairly one-sided. If doctors do not push for vaccinating then these companies aren't going to make as much money, so it is in their interest to promote their products in whatever manner necessary.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you're very passionate about this topic and I think it is an important topic to cover to help parents in discovering answers. I look forward to seeing how your research progresses over the course of the next few weeks.
Katy,
ReplyDeleteThis topic has become very popular of the last few years. I have four children and make sure they receive all the recommend vaccines. I have also been in the childcare field for many years and it seems like there are more and more children that are not getting the recommended vaccines. I personally find it troubling. Most of the parents will say they refuse to vaccinate because they are fearful for some of the side effects and the risk of their child getting autism, ADD and etc. This is because of the doctor that blamed autism on vaccines. He had no research to back it up and its my understanding that his book even got pulled off the shelf because it could not be backed up. However his claim had already convinced many parents not to vaccinate. Now we have so many children walking around not protected from some very scary illnesses. I look forward to the research in your blog. I curious to see if the risk out ways the cause.