I felt I needed to touch on the subject of vaccines again. I have written on the subject before (Are Vaccines Safe & Effective?, Thoughts on the Flu Shot, More Thoughts on the Flu Shot). However, the recent ‘outbreak’ of measles has brought the subject to the front lines again. I will start off by stating that I think that every parent should be able to make choices about their child’s health and not have a one size fits all mentality forced upon them. What I find most disturbing is that there are those who express opinions that those parents who do not vaccinate their children should be thrown in jail. Also questions about being able to sue parents who do not vaccinate their children. Well if that ever does happen, it would be extremely hypocritical since you are not able to sue the companies that make vaccines if your child is harmed from those vaccines.
Personally, I think vaccines do work to some extent. If nothing else, they change the presentation of the disease that it is intended to prevent. However, I know that what is represented in most of the media is not a balanced look at the issue. While vaccines may have played a part in decreasing the incidence of many diseases, to claim that they are the sole or most important factor is, I think, inaccurate. The risks of vaccination are constantly being downplayed and the benefits often stretched. I think the question should still be: Is the benefit of vaccinating better than the negative consequences? I know with the information that I have found through countless hours of studying the issue, reasearching, and looking at sources, what my decision is at this point. But to be honest it may change in the future as I find out more information though I find that unlikely. My object is not to tell you what to choose–you must do that for yourself–but to give you information that you may not know.
Before I get into some recent articles that I have found that give some information you may not be aware of, I want you to think about some things.
- Has the incidence of other diseases, without a vaccine, decreased in the last several decades? And why?
- Is there any other possible explanation why infectious diseases have decreased in the last several decades besides vaccination?
- Is there any other possible motive besides ‘community health’ in making vaccines mandatory?
- Who would benefit from forced vaccination? Is there lots of money to be made?
- In areas where there is high vaccination rates (98-99%) has it been successful in eliminating those diseases?
- Are there benefits to actually having a disease naturally and obtaining natural immunity vs artificial immunity?
- How are vaccines determined to be effective? Does having antibodies against a disease mean you are immune?
- How trustworthy is the source of information? Are there conflicts of interest?
In my studies I have come to the conclusion that nothing is as cut and dry as it is made to appear. There are always others that have opposing views and there is merit to those opposing views. And we should show respect for others with a different view. I am unfortunately no longer surprised how quickly any discussion on vaccines will quickly devolve into name calling and insults. If you are confident in your position there is no need for that. And that goes for both sides of the issue. And those that claim that ‘science has spoken’ and there cannot be any other point of view do not understand the scientific process. While there are many things that are well established, it does not mean that a new discovery or new information could not turn those well established beliefs on their heads. But the information is the best that we have and we try to make the best decisions based on that information. But here is some of what I believe is the opposing view.
Now this is not an exhaustive list of all the information about vaccines and vaccination but merely some recent articles that I found very interesting on vaccines and the companies that make them. I hope you enjoy.
Measles and Measles Vaccine: 14 Things To Consider – Specifically about measles some of the history of measles and the measles vaccine that you may not know.
Vaccines don’t work and I don’t need you telling me they do — I know how to read! – This article has an infographic which gives a good overview of the concerns about and the history of vaccination.
Herd Immunity: Can Mass Vaccination Achieve It? – Overview of herd immunity naturally occurring and through vaccination. Written by Tetyana Obukhanych, PhD.
Measles: A Rash of Misinformation – Another overview of some of the history behind measles and the measles vaccine.
Why is the Mainstream Media Ignoring Measles Vaccine Fraud Cases? – Reporting on things related to vaccines and vaccine manufacturers that are not covered in the mainstream media such as ongoing court case of fraud against Merck and CDC whistleblower.
Merck Paid for Medical ‘Journal’ Without Disclosure – 2009 article about how Merck paid for studies to go into what looked like a medical journal.
The 21 curious questions we’re never allowed to ask about vaccines – Interesting article that asks questions about vaccines. Also contains many pictures of actual vaccine information inserts.
