Autism & vaccines

By mudlark • June 22nd, 2007

This week an Arizona mom’s case went before the court as she claimed that her daughter’s severe autism is the result of her childhood MMR vaccine (that’s Measles, mumps, and rubella). The MMR vaccine contains thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative. Many parents, and some doctors suspect a causal relationship between thimerosal and autism, but the Institute of Medicine published a study in 2004 that denies any causal relationship.

Several manufacturers are now producing thimerosal-free or trace-thimerosal vaccines. Doctors are required to have vaccine information available for patients, so if you’re worried about thimerosal in your child’s vaccines (or your own), bring it up with your doctor. He or she should be able to give you the trade name of the vaccine and tell you if it has thimerosal in it. You can consult the FDA chart here for a list of vaccines that are thimerosal-free or trace thimerosal.

The CDC states that the benefit of even the suspected vaccines is more important than the risk factors related to them. It never hurts to be informed though, so be sure to talk to your doctor if you’re concerned, and you can even ask to see the packaging from the vaccine. Some eyes may roll, but you are your own advocate.

Comments(4) Health, Lifestyle

Comments

By on June 22nd, 2007 at 12:02 pm

Actually, the MMR never contained thimerosal, as it is a live virus, and the preservative, thimerosal, would have killed the virus.

My daughter did not have thimerosal in her vaccines, but she did have an underlying undiagnosed immune deficiency when she was vaccinated with the MMR and Varivax (chickenpox vaccine). 3 wks later, she developed a high fever, bulls eye rash, and seizures. She suffered a severe regression after this event, and was dx’d 6 mos later with severe autism. She also now has pituitary damage, and has growth issues.

We later learned that she had immune deficiency, and should have never received any live virus vaccines, let alone 4 viruses at once!

There are currently 3 live virus vaccines in our pediatric schedule, the MMR, Varivax, and FluMist.

Make sure your child is HEALTHY when vaccinated! Do not allow any vaccines if your child is sick, or has signs of immune deficiency. You can read more about immune deficiency, and learn the signs at http://www.primaryimmune.org

Thimerosal has been proven to cause immune dysfunction. The only vaccine currently available to children in the US with thimerosal is the flu vaccine (not FluMist). Thimerosal still exists in many booster shots, such as the tetanus vaccine, but these are not part of the reccomended pediatric vaccination schedule in the US.

Consequently, since my daughter was not able to produce the desired immune response to her vaccines, she has no antibodies to vaccine preventable diseases. The vaccines failed in her system, yet caused a myriad of medical problems.

Go figure. So much for our wonderful healthcare system!

By on June 22nd, 2007 at 10:46 pm

The IOM didn’t publish a study; it issued a report based on examination of dozens of studies. Funny, though — biological evidence was omitted, and flawed epidemiological stats given top credibility. Also in 2001 IOM meeting minutes reveal Marie McCormick and Kathleen Stratton discussing that the CDC wanted the IOM to conclude that vaccines were safe on a population basis. And as we found out 3 years later, they did just that.
Thimerosal is still in vaccines. It’s used in manufacturing. No, it’s not in the MMR. 90% of the 2006-2007 flu shot supply contained 25 micrograms each. The pandemic flu vaccine contains 100 mcg.
There’s way more information and intrigue to this issue. Start with http://www.PutChildrenFirst.org and read “Evidence of Harm” by David Kirby. Don’t wait for the movie.

By on June 22nd, 2007 at 10:51 pm

Thanks for the info and links! You guys are a great help! I remember reading some pretty heavy stuff when I was deciding if I should vaccinate my first – I just wish I’d kept it for later reference!

By Chickenpox Vaccine on September 4th, 2008 at 9:28 am

Me and my husband discussed heavily whether or not we should vaccinate our child. He feared that it would give them Autism. Honestly I would rather take that risk then take the even greater risk of exposing them to something much worse. There are so many diseases that are prevented from the vaccines they are getting and it is worth it because it helps them to live a happy life. She is almost two and she has been fine and healthy.