What do you think about the latest on autism and vaccines?
It's been debated for years whether there's a link between childhood vaccines and autism, with many research studies concluding there was no connection, and a small but vocal cadre of parents with autistic children fervently believing otherwise.
Now, the Sun reports today, federal health officials have acknowledged that a series of vaccines given to a now-9-year-old girl when she was living in Ellicott City years ago worsened an underlying condition and led her to be diagnosed with autism. The Centers for Disease Control is telling the public that the girl's case was unique, and that immunization is safe and vital to protect children from diseases. Still, officials are worried this case will make parents reluctant to have their children vaccinated.
How do you react to this news? I'd like to hear from pediatricians, parents, and pediatrician/parents.
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Comments
I am the mother of a 20 year old autistic child and the aunt of 2 autistic nephews ages 23 and 16 now. When my youngest nephew was born (hes 7 now) his mother [my sister] requested his vacines be "spread apart", and he is "normal". Instead of mercury, thermisol, etc., can the vacines JUST be given "ungrouped" and tested?
Posted by: ha borst | March 7, 2008 3:17 PM
I think the the findings of the CDC in this case will open a flood of lawsuits, and possibly settlements. I do not however believe that vaccines "cause" autism. My son's first speech therapist believed there was something MUCH deeper and most likely genetic or mutagenic causing the escalation of diagnosis' in the past decade. She pointed to the high concentration of kids diagnosed in Silicon Valley as evidence of a selective genetic role.
I asked both of my son's pediatricians about the preservative used in the vaccines adminstered, and both assured me they did not use thimerosal vaccines. Our youngest son's doctor said he didn't believe that the Thimerosal was harmful, but since the vaccines were available without it, why chance it?
Posted by: Jason K | March 7, 2008 11:33 PM
I think it's important to remember that this case is unique. Vaccines didn't CAUSE the girls autism, she was already predisposed to it from a rare genetic condition. If not vaccines, any other number of factors could have activated the disease.
Posted by: Kayris | March 9, 2008 1:46 PM