| Bright Tots - Information on child development. Autism and vaccines...Autism spectrum disorders continue to rise in the US even after mercury-containing thimerosal was removed... |
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| Autism and Vaccines |
Many medical organizations claim that vaccines do not cause autism. The CDC estimates that 1 in 110 children have
autism, and that 1 in 6 has some form of neurological developmental delay. The rate of autism is 4 to 1, males over
females. The outcome of the high statistics is that children were receiving hundreds of times the recommended safe
doses of mercury. Most children were able to excrete these large doses of mercury, while other children were
susceptible to bad immune reactions from the vaccinations.
Autism spectrum disorders continue to rise in the United States even after mercury-containing thimerosal was removed
from childhood vaccines, suggesting that exposure to the compound may not be the only cause of autism, as claimed
by many groups. And yet, even though vaccines containing thimerosal are no longer used, studies have revealed that
the incidence of autism continues to rise. This increase may possibly be due to better recognition and diagnosis on the
part of health professionals.
Many parents say that vaccines have caused their children autism. In the last decade, speculation over immunizations
having a link to autism is due to two theories one is the measles component of the triple measles-mumps-rubella
(MMR) vaccine, the other the amount of exposure to the preservative thimerosal which contains ethyl mercury. These
are the findings of a study published an issue of the journal Archives of General Psychiatry. Thimerosal is 49 percent
ethyl mercury. A closely related form of mercury, methyl mercury, is a known toxin.
Through vaccines given in the first two years of life, it can protect children from 16 diseases, preventing 33,000
deaths and 14 million illnesses per year. People do have questions about why certain ingredients are contained in
vaccines. Some ingredients, like aluminum, help make the vaccines effective; others, like preservatives, prevent the
growth of harmful germs in vials containing more than one dose.
The CDC is working on many aspects when it comes to autism and vaccines. They’re currently conducting the largest
study to investigate the potential causes of and risk factors for autism. This study, called the SEED study, looks at
genetic, environmental and hormonal factors, as well as selected mercury exposures. They work along with
government agencies, private organizations and parent groups to organize the autism research plan for the country.
Autism and the MMR Connection
Some parents and families of children with autism believe that the Measles/Mumps/ Rubella (MMR) vaccine caused
their children’s autism. These parents report that their children were “normal” until they received the MMR vaccine.
Only after getting the vaccine, did their children begin to show symptoms of autism. Because the symptoms of autism
start to arise around the same time as the child’s MMR vaccination, parents and families see the vaccine as the cause
of the autism.
The MMR vaccine and autism controversy is over the safety of the MMR vaccine. Critics of the vaccine say that the
incidence of autism has greatly increased and that the vaccine is a primary cause of this increase. They suspect that the
vaccine can harm the young immune system, which they believe is often already overwhelmed from the effects of
other environmental irritants such as exposure to heavy metals. Critics also say that the live measles virus in the
formulation of the MMR harms susceptible individuals in a way that wild measles does not. The general belief of the
medical and scientific community is that the benefits of the vaccine greatly outweigh the risks, and that there is no
scientific evidence to support the critics' claims.
Autism and MMR Link
Children receive many other vaccines in addition to the MMR vaccine, these other vaccines have not been identified as
possible causes of autism. To date there is no definite, scientific proof that any vaccine or combination of vaccines can
cause autism. In the UK, the MMR vaccine was the subject of controversy after publication of a 1998 paper by
Andrew Wakefield who reported a study of 12 children mostly with autism spectrum disorders with onset soon after
dosing of the MMR vaccine. During a 1998 press conference, Wakefield suggested that giving children the vaccines in
three separate doses would be safer than a single vaccination. This suggestion was not affirmed by the paper, and
several resulting studies have failed to show any association between the vaccine and autism. Wakefield has been
heavily criticized on scientific grounds and for triggering a decline in vaccination rates as well as on ethical reasons for
the way the research was conducted.
In 2004 the MMR vaccine and autism interpretation of the paper was formally recanted by 10 of Wakefield's 12 co-
authors. The CDC, the National Academy of Sciences, and the UK National Health Service have all concluded that
there is no evidence of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. A scientific review by the Cochrane Library
concluded that there is no credible link between the MMR vaccine and autism, that MMR has prevented diseases that
still carry a heavy burden of death and complications, that the lack of confidence in MMR has damaged public health.
Autism and Thimerosal In Vaccines
The thimerosal autism controversy is surrounded by claims that thimerosal containing vaccines cause or contribute to
the development of autism and other brain developmental disorders, and the general medical perspective, which is that
no scientific evidence supporting a link between thimerosal and autism. Even after thimerosal was removed from infant
vaccines, the autism rate has continued to climb. The number of reported cases of autism increased dramatically in the
1990s and early 2000s.
In 1999, thimerosal was in 30 U.S. vaccines including, the DTaP, Hib, and hepatitis B vaccines, given to infants. In
July 1999, the Federal government asked vaccine manufacturers to work towards eliminating or reducing the use of
thimerosal, a preservative which contains small amounts of mercury, in any products currently available on the market.
The exclusion of thimerosal from childhood vaccines in the United States was initiated from 1999 to 2001.
Patterns in autism as exposure to thimerosal in vaccines during early childhood has decreased. Today, all routinely
recommended pediatric vaccines manufactured for the U.S. market contain no thimerosal or only trace amounts. It
was gradually replaced by other non mercury compounds, and some vaccines have been formulated so they don't need
preservatives. However, the preservative is still used in multiuse vials of flu vaccines.
Autism Vaccine Lawsuits
Due to children exhibiting symptoms of autism after immunizations, thousands of lawsuits have been filed in the U.S.
to seek damages from alleged toxicity from vaccines, including those assumed from thimerosal preservatives. The
parents of a 9-year-old girl with autism said that their accusation that her illness was caused by childhood vaccines has
been vindicated by the federal government's decision to compensate them. "We are very pleased with the government's
decision," Hannah Poling's father, Dr. Jon Poling, a neurologist in private practice in Athens, Georgia.
A federal program intended to compensate victims of injuries caused by vaccines concluded last November that
Hannah Poling's underlying illness that had predisposed her to symptoms of autism was "significantly aggravated" by
the vaccinations she received as a toddler and that her family should therefore be compensated. The government has
made absolutely no statement indicating that vaccines are a cause of autism," said Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "This does not represent anything other than a very specific situation and a
very sad situation as far as the family of the affected child."
Vaccines should continue for children. This is proven to save lives. The CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics,
Institute of Medicine and other prestigious medical organizations maintain there is no known link between vaccines and
autism. Studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and elsewhere also have found no link.
Concerns with Autism and Vaccines
Recently, many parents with autistic children have raised questions about the timing and number of vaccines. Most
vaccines are given at an early age because that's simply when children are most vulnerable to infectious diseases and
need the added protection. Although some may call it a "one size fits all" approach, the recommended vaccine schedule
is flexible, and it does account for instances when a child should not receive a recommended vaccine or when a
recommended vaccine should be delayed. Those decisions, however, are best made in consultation with the child's
doctor, and parents shouldn't be afraid to discuss any concerns.
The autism and vaccines link have many speculations. It is believed that some children may not be able to get rid of the
mercury, and this poison invaded their brains and other body organs, producing symptoms that look like autism. It has
been proven that these children were mercury poisoned, and this fact was first recognized by a devoted group from
Safe Minds who published an article comparing the symptoms of autism with the symptoms of mercury poisoning.
The government has slowly removed mercury from childhood vaccines, yet it’s encouraged to give flu vaccines to
children. The flu vaccine which still contains thimerosal is also recommended for pregnant women.
Religious sectors have been hesitant about vaccines ever since they were introduced, even when vaccination is
required. Early Christian activists appeal that if God had established that someone should die of smallpox, it would be a
sin to hinder God's plan through vaccination. The Family Research Council, a conservative U.S. Christian group,
opposes mandatory vaccination their belief is diseases typically spread via sexual contact, maintaining that the
possibility of disease discourages sexual promiscuity. Many jurisdictions allow parents to choose not to vaccinate their
children for religious reasons; some parents falsely claim religious beliefs to get vaccination exemptions.
The number of young children who are not fully vaccinated for preventable diseases has been steadily increasing over
the last decade. More and more, parents are claiming non-medical exemptions from routine vaccinations in turn leaving
their children, their children's classmates, and other children in their communities vulnerable to diseases. The only
individuals who are exempt from vaccinations is a child who has had an organ transplant, has HIV, or for some other
reason has a compromised immune system, these children should not get a live vaccine. There are also some
immunizations that are made with egg whites, so children who have egg allergies should avoid those.
Autism and Vaccines Link
Medical experts say there is no link between autism and childhood vaccines, but some groups continue to disagree.
Researchers from the state Department of Public Health found the autism rate in children rose continuously during the
12-year study period from 1995 to 2007. The preservative thimerosal hasn’t been used in childhood vaccines since
2001, but is used in some flu shots.
Doctors say there is no link between thimerosal in vaccines and autism risk and reassure parents that the disorder is
not caused by vaccinations. If there was a risk, they said, autism rates should have dropped between 2004 and 2007.
Health officials insist that current research definitively shows mercury in vaccines doesn't trigger autism. Meanwhile,
public health officials struggle to end the whole vaccine-autism debate.
Vaccines have provided lifesaving miracles in public health. However, it's acknowledged that they are also responsible
for many serious adverse events including brain disorders and, rarely, deaths. Trying to maximize the potential benefits
of vaccines and minimize the harm shouldn't be seen as a threat to the nation's immunization program; it's simply a
reasonable step ahead.
No Connection Between Autism and Vaccines
Several credible scientists, government agencies and the medical community have said there is no connection between
autism and mercury once used to preserve vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control says "There is no convincing
scientific evidence of harm caused by the low doses of thimerosal in vaccines, except for minor reactions like redness
and swelling at the injection site."
The American Academy of Pediatrics says "No scientific data link thimerosal used as a preservative in vaccines with
any pediatric neurologic disorder, including autism.
The Institute of Medicine’s Immunization Safety Review Committee concluded "that the body of epidemiological
evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism" and a study of
California Department of Developmental Services indicated that there was "an increase in autism in California despite
the removal of thimerosal from most vaccines."
There is much diversity by the suggestion that autism may be triggered by any combination of genetics, impaired
detoxification, major disruptions in gut and immune system dysfunction. Based on genetic evidence a percentage of
children have an extremely difficult time detoxifying heavy metals, described as a sensitivity to mercury. Genetic
predisposition, mercury and other toxins, plus the number of vaccines administered at once, including the fact that
there are more vaccines today then years ago all these factors may contribute to the increase in autism.
autism, and that 1 in 6 has some form of neurological developmental delay. The rate of autism is 4 to 1, males over
females. The outcome of the high statistics is that children were receiving hundreds of times the recommended safe
doses of mercury. Most children were able to excrete these large doses of mercury, while other children were
susceptible to bad immune reactions from the vaccinations.
Autism spectrum disorders continue to rise in the United States even after mercury-containing thimerosal was removed
from childhood vaccines, suggesting that exposure to the compound may not be the only cause of autism, as claimed
by many groups. And yet, even though vaccines containing thimerosal are no longer used, studies have revealed that
the incidence of autism continues to rise. This increase may possibly be due to better recognition and diagnosis on the
part of health professionals.
Many parents say that vaccines have caused their children autism. In the last decade, speculation over immunizations
having a link to autism is due to two theories one is the measles component of the triple measles-mumps-rubella
(MMR) vaccine, the other the amount of exposure to the preservative thimerosal which contains ethyl mercury. These
are the findings of a study published an issue of the journal Archives of General Psychiatry. Thimerosal is 49 percent
ethyl mercury. A closely related form of mercury, methyl mercury, is a known toxin.
Through vaccines given in the first two years of life, it can protect children from 16 diseases, preventing 33,000
deaths and 14 million illnesses per year. People do have questions about why certain ingredients are contained in
vaccines. Some ingredients, like aluminum, help make the vaccines effective; others, like preservatives, prevent the
growth of harmful germs in vials containing more than one dose.
The CDC is working on many aspects when it comes to autism and vaccines. They’re currently conducting the largest
study to investigate the potential causes of and risk factors for autism. This study, called the SEED study, looks at
genetic, environmental and hormonal factors, as well as selected mercury exposures. They work along with
government agencies, private organizations and parent groups to organize the autism research plan for the country.
Autism and the MMR Connection
Some parents and families of children with autism believe that the Measles/Mumps/ Rubella (MMR) vaccine caused
their children’s autism. These parents report that their children were “normal” until they received the MMR vaccine.
Only after getting the vaccine, did their children begin to show symptoms of autism. Because the symptoms of autism
start to arise around the same time as the child’s MMR vaccination, parents and families see the vaccine as the cause
of the autism.
The MMR vaccine and autism controversy is over the safety of the MMR vaccine. Critics of the vaccine say that the
incidence of autism has greatly increased and that the vaccine is a primary cause of this increase. They suspect that the
vaccine can harm the young immune system, which they believe is often already overwhelmed from the effects of
other environmental irritants such as exposure to heavy metals. Critics also say that the live measles virus in the
formulation of the MMR harms susceptible individuals in a way that wild measles does not. The general belief of the
medical and scientific community is that the benefits of the vaccine greatly outweigh the risks, and that there is no
scientific evidence to support the critics' claims.
Autism and MMR Link
Children receive many other vaccines in addition to the MMR vaccine, these other vaccines have not been identified as
possible causes of autism. To date there is no definite, scientific proof that any vaccine or combination of vaccines can
cause autism. In the UK, the MMR vaccine was the subject of controversy after publication of a 1998 paper by
Andrew Wakefield who reported a study of 12 children mostly with autism spectrum disorders with onset soon after
dosing of the MMR vaccine. During a 1998 press conference, Wakefield suggested that giving children the vaccines in
three separate doses would be safer than a single vaccination. This suggestion was not affirmed by the paper, and
several resulting studies have failed to show any association between the vaccine and autism. Wakefield has been
heavily criticized on scientific grounds and for triggering a decline in vaccination rates as well as on ethical reasons for
the way the research was conducted.
In 2004 the MMR vaccine and autism interpretation of the paper was formally recanted by 10 of Wakefield's 12 co-
authors. The CDC, the National Academy of Sciences, and the UK National Health Service have all concluded that
there is no evidence of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. A scientific review by the Cochrane Library
concluded that there is no credible link between the MMR vaccine and autism, that MMR has prevented diseases that
still carry a heavy burden of death and complications, that the lack of confidence in MMR has damaged public health.
Autism and Thimerosal In Vaccines
The thimerosal autism controversy is surrounded by claims that thimerosal containing vaccines cause or contribute to
the development of autism and other brain developmental disorders, and the general medical perspective, which is that
no scientific evidence supporting a link between thimerosal and autism. Even after thimerosal was removed from infant
vaccines, the autism rate has continued to climb. The number of reported cases of autism increased dramatically in the
1990s and early 2000s.
In 1999, thimerosal was in 30 U.S. vaccines including, the DTaP, Hib, and hepatitis B vaccines, given to infants. In
July 1999, the Federal government asked vaccine manufacturers to work towards eliminating or reducing the use of
thimerosal, a preservative which contains small amounts of mercury, in any products currently available on the market.
The exclusion of thimerosal from childhood vaccines in the United States was initiated from 1999 to 2001.
Patterns in autism as exposure to thimerosal in vaccines during early childhood has decreased. Today, all routinely
recommended pediatric vaccines manufactured for the U.S. market contain no thimerosal or only trace amounts. It
was gradually replaced by other non mercury compounds, and some vaccines have been formulated so they don't need
preservatives. However, the preservative is still used in multiuse vials of flu vaccines.
Autism Vaccine Lawsuits
Due to children exhibiting symptoms of autism after immunizations, thousands of lawsuits have been filed in the U.S.
to seek damages from alleged toxicity from vaccines, including those assumed from thimerosal preservatives. The
parents of a 9-year-old girl with autism said that their accusation that her illness was caused by childhood vaccines has
been vindicated by the federal government's decision to compensate them. "We are very pleased with the government's
decision," Hannah Poling's father, Dr. Jon Poling, a neurologist in private practice in Athens, Georgia.
A federal program intended to compensate victims of injuries caused by vaccines concluded last November that
Hannah Poling's underlying illness that had predisposed her to symptoms of autism was "significantly aggravated" by
the vaccinations she received as a toddler and that her family should therefore be compensated. The government has
made absolutely no statement indicating that vaccines are a cause of autism," said Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "This does not represent anything other than a very specific situation and a
very sad situation as far as the family of the affected child."
Vaccines should continue for children. This is proven to save lives. The CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics,
Institute of Medicine and other prestigious medical organizations maintain there is no known link between vaccines and
autism. Studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and elsewhere also have found no link.
Concerns with Autism and Vaccines
Recently, many parents with autistic children have raised questions about the timing and number of vaccines. Most
vaccines are given at an early age because that's simply when children are most vulnerable to infectious diseases and
need the added protection. Although some may call it a "one size fits all" approach, the recommended vaccine schedule
is flexible, and it does account for instances when a child should not receive a recommended vaccine or when a
recommended vaccine should be delayed. Those decisions, however, are best made in consultation with the child's
doctor, and parents shouldn't be afraid to discuss any concerns.
The autism and vaccines link have many speculations. It is believed that some children may not be able to get rid of the
mercury, and this poison invaded their brains and other body organs, producing symptoms that look like autism. It has
been proven that these children were mercury poisoned, and this fact was first recognized by a devoted group from
Safe Minds who published an article comparing the symptoms of autism with the symptoms of mercury poisoning.
The government has slowly removed mercury from childhood vaccines, yet it’s encouraged to give flu vaccines to
children. The flu vaccine which still contains thimerosal is also recommended for pregnant women.
Religious sectors have been hesitant about vaccines ever since they were introduced, even when vaccination is
required. Early Christian activists appeal that if God had established that someone should die of smallpox, it would be a
sin to hinder God's plan through vaccination. The Family Research Council, a conservative U.S. Christian group,
opposes mandatory vaccination their belief is diseases typically spread via sexual contact, maintaining that the
possibility of disease discourages sexual promiscuity. Many jurisdictions allow parents to choose not to vaccinate their
children for religious reasons; some parents falsely claim religious beliefs to get vaccination exemptions.
The number of young children who are not fully vaccinated for preventable diseases has been steadily increasing over
the last decade. More and more, parents are claiming non-medical exemptions from routine vaccinations in turn leaving
their children, their children's classmates, and other children in their communities vulnerable to diseases. The only
individuals who are exempt from vaccinations is a child who has had an organ transplant, has HIV, or for some other
reason has a compromised immune system, these children should not get a live vaccine. There are also some
immunizations that are made with egg whites, so children who have egg allergies should avoid those.
Autism and Vaccines Link
Medical experts say there is no link between autism and childhood vaccines, but some groups continue to disagree.
Researchers from the state Department of Public Health found the autism rate in children rose continuously during the
12-year study period from 1995 to 2007. The preservative thimerosal hasn’t been used in childhood vaccines since
2001, but is used in some flu shots.
Doctors say there is no link between thimerosal in vaccines and autism risk and reassure parents that the disorder is
not caused by vaccinations. If there was a risk, they said, autism rates should have dropped between 2004 and 2007.
Health officials insist that current research definitively shows mercury in vaccines doesn't trigger autism. Meanwhile,
public health officials struggle to end the whole vaccine-autism debate.
Vaccines have provided lifesaving miracles in public health. However, it's acknowledged that they are also responsible
for many serious adverse events including brain disorders and, rarely, deaths. Trying to maximize the potential benefits
of vaccines and minimize the harm shouldn't be seen as a threat to the nation's immunization program; it's simply a
reasonable step ahead.
No Connection Between Autism and Vaccines
Several credible scientists, government agencies and the medical community have said there is no connection between
autism and mercury once used to preserve vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control says "There is no convincing
scientific evidence of harm caused by the low doses of thimerosal in vaccines, except for minor reactions like redness
and swelling at the injection site."
The American Academy of Pediatrics says "No scientific data link thimerosal used as a preservative in vaccines with
any pediatric neurologic disorder, including autism.
The Institute of Medicine’s Immunization Safety Review Committee concluded "that the body of epidemiological
evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism" and a study of
California Department of Developmental Services indicated that there was "an increase in autism in California despite
the removal of thimerosal from most vaccines."
There is much diversity by the suggestion that autism may be triggered by any combination of genetics, impaired
detoxification, major disruptions in gut and immune system dysfunction. Based on genetic evidence a percentage of
children have an extremely difficult time detoxifying heavy metals, described as a sensitivity to mercury. Genetic
predisposition, mercury and other toxins, plus the number of vaccines administered at once, including the fact that
there are more vaccines today then years ago all these factors may contribute to the increase in autism.
| Autism and Vaccines |
| ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Copyright © 2004 Bright Tots® Inc. - Educational Toys & Resource Guide to Child Development - All rights reserved. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
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