| 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 |
The CDC estimates that 1 in 166 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.
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.
Today, through immunizations given in the first two years of life, we 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. 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 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
Although 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 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.
Thimerosal In Vaccines
The thimerosal 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.
The Immunization Safety Review Committee of the Institute of Medicine has recommended supervision of patterns in autism
as exposure to thimerosal 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 Lawsuits
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."
Parents should continue to get their children immunized, she said: "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 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.
There are many speculations when it comes to autism and vaccines. 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 exposure 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.
Vaccinations 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 Found 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.
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.
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.
Today, through immunizations given in the first two years of life, we 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. 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 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
Although 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 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.
Thimerosal In Vaccines
The thimerosal 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.
The Immunization Safety Review Committee of the Institute of Medicine has recommended supervision of patterns in autism
as exposure to thimerosal 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 Lawsuits
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."
Parents should continue to get their children immunized, she said: "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 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.
There are many speculations when it comes to autism and vaccines. 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 exposure 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.
Vaccinations 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 Found 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.
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| Autism and Vaccines |
| ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Copyright © 2004 Bright Tots® Inc. - Educational Toys & Resource Guide to Child Development - All rights reserved. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
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