There are many benefits to vaccines. Immunizations have been directly responsible for saving thousands of lives. Before the polio vaccine was introduced in the United States, there was an average of 16,000 cases of polio per year. In the 1930's, the United States had about 30,000 cases of diphtheria per year, out of those 30,000 an average of 3,000 lives were taken annually. Both of these diseases along with many others are virtually non existent in the United State today.
According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the CDC, "Widespread use of vaccines in the United States has eliminated or almost eliminated infectious diseases that were once terrifying household names."
The CDC estimates that vaccination prevents 10.5 million cases of illness and 35,000 deaths per year.
Despite the many lives that vaccinations have saved, it has become a controversial subject within the last 20 years. There are many parents who refuse to vaccinate their children for reasons listed below.
Dangers of Vaccination
Vaccines have been scientifically proven to depress the immune system. Injecting foreign substances in a child's body such as formaldehyde, mercury and human diploid cells from aborted fetal tissue; cannot be beneficial to a person’s health.
Anti-vaccine supporters argue that the pharmaceutical industry makes over 7 billion dollars each year from vaccines. Over 200 new vaccines are being developed and many will be added to the childhood vaccination list for guaranteed profits.
According to Dr. Rebecca Carley, strong advocate of anti-vaccination and founder of the Dr.Carley website, "If children receive all recommended vaccines, they will receive 2,370 times the 'allowable safe limit' for mercury in the first two years of life (as if there is such a thing as a "safe" amount of a toxic poison)."
Since the 1940's, when the smallpox vaccination was introduced in the US, the increase in neurological and developmental disorders such as ADD & Autism have rapidly increased.
Advocates against routine immunization encourage parents to be aware of the potential dangers lurking in vaccines. Society is taught that vaccines are safe and effective. Medical professionals encourage parents to vaccinate their children to prevent childhood diseases that could harm them.
Yet modern science has proven that this medical procedure cannot be done without serious immunologic consequences.
The Right to Choose Vaccination
Although there is a great deal of confusion about vaccinations and the requirements for school entrance, it is actually quite simple.
Many parents are not aware that they have the right to pick and choose which vaccinations they would like to give their child. Some vaccines have become more controversial than others, such as the MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) vaccine which has been linked to neurological disorders such as ADD/ADHD and Autism due to the high levels of Thimerosal (mercury).
Parents have the right to refuse certain vaccinations based on religious, personal or medical reasons. Even better, they can also choose when to give theses vaccinations. This is not something that most caregivers are aware of.
Delaying immunizations until the child's immune system has had the opportunity to develop, can be very beneficial to the child's health. Most American children receive 5 to 6 immunizations within 24 hours of birth. A delay of even a few months may make a difference in their life long health.
The Hopewood Children
In 1942, Mr. Leslie Owen Bailey, a great philanthropist and founder of the Natural Health Society of Australia, accepted guardianship of 85 children whose mothers were unable to care for them. The children were raised eating foods which contained no preservatives or added sugar. They followed a meatless diet, which consisted of eggs, fresh fruits, root vegetables, rice, beans, salad, nuts, wholemeal bread and biscuits. They consumed fresh water frequently and even their desserts were considered healthy, made with honey in place of sugar and naturally sweetened foods such as coconut.
It is interesting to note that these children never encountered any serious illnesses, never took any type of drugs, and were most importantly, never vaccinated. Out of all 85 children, the only childhood illness they encountered was when 34 of them broke out with chicken pox. They recovered quickly with no after effects.
There are many studies on the Hopewood children, including the study conducted by Dr. N.E Goldsworthy; a medical doctor and head of the Institute of Dental Research. After 10 years of extensive research over their teeth, his team showed that the Hopewood children had 16 times less decay than other Sydney children. This story goes to show that it is possible to raise your children naturally, without childhood vaccinations.
Ultimate Decision on Immunisation
When deciding to vaccinate or not to vaccinate, the decision should ultimately lie in the hands of the parents; not the government. Health care professionals should offer parents real resources relating to the pros and cons of vaccinations. This will allow caregivers to make an educated decision that could potentially save their child's life.
References:
Kids Need Options With Vaccines Website (accessed February 4, 2010).
Dr. Howenstine, James MD. A Physicians Guide To Natural Health Products That Work. Penhurst Books, 2007.
Dr. Sears, Robert. The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2007.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccines and Immunisations (accessed February 4, 2010). www.cdc.gov/vaccines
Alissa Williams - Alissa Williams is married, a mother of 3, works in the Alternative Health Care industry and writes because she loves to. In addition to ...
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