In the United States, we have access to a long list of vaccines, ranging from meningitis all the way to the flu. Some of these vaccines we are given when we are far too young to remember. Others we must have in order to attend school (however there are ways around that regulation). Many must be “renewed” after a certain amount of time, usually 5-10 years (tetanus is the most well known example). Finally, there are a number of vaccines that are completely optional, although usually are recommended.
Considering we have vaccines that can protect us from extremely dangerous and debilitating diseases, why wouldn’t you want to get them? Oh, right, because of that myth about how they’ve been linked to autism. First of all, before I get into the specifics of how that myth has been widely debunked, let me just say one thing. Refusing to vaccinate your child because you think they could develop autism as a result says this: Autism is worse than death. That’s a problem. Now I understand, parents want their children to be able to lead full, happy, healthy lives, and many people consider autism to be a handicap. In some ways I suppose it is. But you know what’s a worse handicap? Being dead. You know what can kill you? Smallpox, Influenza, HIV, HPV, Meningitis, etc. You know what else? We have vaccines for all of those diseases.
Alright, now that I got that out, let’s move on to the facts about vaccines and autism. The truth is, multiple studies conducted by the CDC (Center for Disease Control), IMO (Institute of Medicine), and other independent researchers have found that there is no link between vaccines and autism. One of the main components of vaccines that was being investigated was an ingredient called thimerosal. It is a mercury-based preservative that is basically used to prevent contamination between vials of vaccines. A 2004 study conducted by the IMO actually favored there being no link between autism and vaccines containing thimerosal. But regardless, currently the only childhood vaccines that contains thimerosal are flu vaccines packaged in multidose vials, which as we know are optional. Even if they weren’t, there are thimerosal-free alternatives for flu vaccines also available. On a side note, no link has been found between any other ingredient in any vaccine and autism.
I’m going to attach a link to the CDC website. You can find much more detailed reports and links to the actual studies there. Also there is a list of vaccines and information regarding safety for each one.
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