After doing some research, I remember hearing the buzz about how parents were worried that vaccinations could cause autism. In Goodwin's (2010) article, she wrote about how vaccinations carry thimerosal, which is loaded with mercury that was thought to cause infants to develop autism. The use of thimersol has been used in vaccinations since the 1930s (Goodwin, 2010). The research supports that even infants who were given the highest levels of thimersol, were not at risk any more than infants exposed to a little thimersol (Goodwin, 2010). Dr. Frank DeStefano, director of the immunization safety office at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that vaccinations do not increase a child's risk of developing autism (Goodwin, 2010). The article also stated that thimerosal has been reduced or removed to little amounts in all vaccines for children six and under, except the flu vaccination, for any parents who may be concerned of risks still (Goodwin, 2010).
The second article I read verified the same findings. Kemp & Hart (2010) found that many parents of children with autism feared autism was linked to the MMR vaccine because autism in diagnosed around 15 to 24 months, just after the infants received the MMR vaccine. The United States immunizations have been proven to drop the risk of measles, mumps and rubella (all deadly diseases) by 99% (Kemp & Hart, 2010). I believe this just emphasized how important it is to get children vaccinated and avoid any risks of preventable diseases.
Today, in the United States, children are immunized against 14 diseases by receiving 10 immunizations (Kemp & Hart, 2010). I was interested to see what type of immunizations were given in another part of the world, such as Vietnam. I discovered that the overall healthcare in Vietnam is much better than one would expect even though it is one of the neediest countries in Asia (Thang, 2006). The Expanded Program on Immunization has helped prevent millions of deaths by providing immunizations in Vietnam (Thang, 2006). The Vietnamese Government have made it a priority to provide immunizations and education on its importance in isolated areas to reduce/eliminate poverty and people living in hunger (Thang, 2006).
After reading up on immunizations, I feel I am better equipped to educate my friends and any families I may come in contact with the importance of getting their children vaccinated.
References
Kemp, M. L. & Hart, B. (2010). MMR vaccine and autism: Is there a link? Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, 23, 48-50.
Thang, N.M. (2006). Child immunization in Vietnam: Situation and barriers to coverage. Journal of Biosocial Science, 39, 41-58.
We are lucky to live in a country that has the resources to give shots and vaccines to children. There are so many children around the world that are dying from simple diseases that here in america we have the protection to. I wish there was a way that we could get some of our resources to other areas of the world to help the children and families survive. Wonderful infomation!!!
ReplyDeleteThis blog post is interesting, thank you! I have heard so many different things about vaccines and how they cause autism. I am thankful for all the vaccines that the we as Americans have access to! Just reading in history can prove how fortunate we are to have the vaccines that we have today!
ReplyDeleteJessica- Excellent research! In my work as a home visitor, I come up against some strong opposition from the families I work with when it comes time for them to get their babies the flu immunization each year (understandably), but after reading your posting, and the research you've cited, I feel more comfortable having this discussion with them. Thank you!- Katelyn
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