Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Another Round Fired in the Autism/Vaccine Debate

by Teresa

A new editorial in the New York Times evaluates the newest evidence (or lack thereof) in an effort by scientists, to reproduce the results of a study that suggested a link between vaccines and autism.  Researchers can’t validate or replicate the findings of that study.  Quoting the editorial: “The new study adds weight to a growing body of epidemiological studies and reviews that have debunked the notion that childhood vaccines cause autism. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, the C.D.C. and the World Health Organization have found no evidence of a causal link between vaccines and autism.“  (I added the italics.)

I don’t have much to add, except this: parents who do NOT intend to vaccinate their kids should read this report from the Centers for Disease Control and give it some serious thought.  As I always say when I write about vaccines, the answer’s not the same for every kid; do talk to your own pediatrician.

But there’s no denying reality, here: In increasing numbers, kids are being hospitalized for measles—a fully preventable, possibly fatal disease.

Unvaccinated  kids. 

Right here.  Right now. 

In the United States.  In the year 2008.

And I’ll leave it at that.