Reducing the Fear behind Vaccinations

Whether or not to vaccinate your children has been a brewing controversy for centuries. It is one, which has been fueled, in recent years by the growing number of children with autism in our society. FInd out some facts you may not have known.

It is natural that parents are concerned. There is nothing more dear to loving parents than their beautiful children. The idea that a child could be permanently harmed by what is meant to protect them is horrifying. Add to that, when the instrument of harm is parent sanctioned, it becomes more than horrifying. It is down right crippling. There is not a decent parent on this earth who would knowingly damage their child. Parents are afraid to vaccinate and are also fearful of what may happen if they don’t.

The possible injurious affects on a child who has not been vaccinated are documented. We are aware of what could happen if we fail to immunize our children. History is the best teacher. Children of the 40’s, and prior, were in danger of contracting polio and many did. Of that number some were crippled forever, and most died. When was the last time you heard of a child who died of polio, or the measles for that matter? These diseases have nearly been eradicated in this country because we vaccinate our children. Perhaps this adds to our dilemma. Parents are not faced with the ravishes of what was once common childhood diseases. However, we are keenly aware of autism.

The media has drawn our attention to the dreadful possibilities. Parents of children with autism have been vocal on what they deem to be the perpetrator on their once healthy child. There testimony details how soon after their child was immunized a change took place. On closer examination and evaluation they were given the heart wrenching news that this once vibrant child is now autistic. There are no words to describe how tragic this is. Moms and dads sum up their thoughts on this sad matter in the form of a prayer, “God bless that child and his parents, and please God save us from the same.”

As parents you must understand the risk to harm ratio. The risk of your child becoming autistic after receiving a shot to protect him from the measles is very small. The risk that your child could catch the measles and die, if he is not immunized, is far greater. It is a documented fact that children die from diseases which are easily avoided.
It has been documented in this country. In third world countries, where the vaccine is unavailable, children still die everyday. Parents have to consider the risk to harm ratio and settle the controversy for themselves, in their own minds.
This article is not intended to negate the experience of parents of children with autism. They are right to draw attention to what they believe to be true concerning vaccinations as it relates to autism. It is possible that they are pioneers. In the future their efforts may lead to an understanding of autism and may on some level, connect it to immunization. For now, to date, there is no definitive proof linking autism to immunizations. Until that time the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, urges parents to have their children immunized. The negative consequences of choosing not to immunize your child is greater than the risk.

Your fear is understandable. Talk to your child’s pediatrician for the facts on vaccines and autism. If he or she is unwilling to address your concerns, find a pediatrician who us.