My good friend, Dr. Lisa Goodman, and I were chatting about kids, vaccines and the whole controversy centered around this topic. While neither one of us are taking a side for or against vaccines, I asked her to write an article on understanding how vaccines work so that readers can become more informed consumers as opposed to confused and overwhelmed patients. We hope this helps give you the information you need and answers questions you might have in order to make informed decisions that are best for you and your families.
The Vaccine Question: Be an Informed Consumer
by Lisa Goodman of Washington Park Chiropractic
As a parent of two children, the decision whether to vaccinate them or not, remains the hardest decision I have made. It would have been much easier had I not been an informed consumer. Sometimes I wish I could follow along with the masses, the advice of most pediatricians, and the recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, as a medical professional and highly-educated consumer I don’t have the luxury of making a less-than informed decision. That said, being educated on the topic of vaccinations does not automatically lead a parent to an anti-vaccine decision. It simply fosters a decision that they can feel good about.
Information is Power
We are in an age where information is everywhere. The good news is, we can find resources on vaccines including their side effects and benefits. The bad news is, we as consumers have to be able to dissect the information we find, and weed out the science versus the nonsense. Of course, most of us believe that our pediatrician is doing the work for us. The truth is, most of the education that pediatricians receive on vaccines comes directly from the pharmaceutical companies that produce each vaccine. Of course there is compelling data coming from the drug manufacturers that vaccines work and that they protect the public health of this country. That data absolutely exists. However, there is equally compelling data on the risks and side-effects of each vaccine that is not commonly presented to pediatricians. I believe we have a responsibility to understand the whole story.
How Vaccines Work
Our immune system is a wide network of cells that can distinguish viruses from healthy cells. Our immune systems T cells and B cells then attack and destroy invading viruses. Some of the outward effects of fighting disease include fever, rash, chills, sweats, soreness, pain. These are called external symptoms, but is evidence of the body eradicating the presenting virus. Certainly viruses cause many symptoms and in some cases they can be difficult to manage and treat. However, our bodies are designed to pounce on disease, as a result the acute immune response is generally very effective at giving us life-long immunity.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), vaccines work by introducing a weakened form of the disease to the immune system, thus ‘heightening’ the awareness of the T and B cells in the event that the disease presents to the body. The theory behind this is that antibodies are created and will more effectively fight the actual virus when it presents. Some might argue that the problem with heightening the immune system to 14 plus diseases is that it can create a constant state of alert and thus a constant state of inflammation. What might that inflamed state lead to? The NVIC believes that it leads to an increase in chronic disease, allergy, asthma, ADHD, cancer, ASD and many more among children.
Understanding Public Health
Vaccines were created and continue to be marketed as a matter of public health. Public health simply means that as a society we should make decisions based on what is best for the majority of people. A black and white example related to vaccines is this: Is measles contagious? Yes. Therefore, we should address the spread of measles. Is autism contagious? No. Therefore, we don’t need to address it. Public health would acknowledge that autism is a serious concern, but it does not fit into their definition of what is a public health concern.
Knowing Your Rights
One very compelling argument for following the AAP’s vaccine schedule is that you need them for school. There is one big problem with that, the truth is you don’t need vaccines for public school. In 49 states parents have the option of a ‘philosophical or religious exemption’ (in addition to the medical exemptions offered in all states). Mississippi is currently the only state that does not offer a philosophical or religious exemption.
Making an Informed Decision
So where do you start? What should you know before making a decision about vaccines? The National Vaccine Information Center recommends that you start by Asking 8 Questions. They are:
1. Am I or my child sick right now?
2. Have I or my child had a bad reaction to a vaccination before?
3. Do I or my child have a personal or family history of vaccine reactions, neurological disorders, severe allergies or immune system problems?
4. Do I know the disease and vaccine risks for myself or my child?
5. Do I have full information about the vaccine’s side effects?
6. Do I know how to identify and report a vaccine reaction?
7. Do I know I need to keep a written record, including the vaccine manufacturer’s name and lot number, for all vaccinations?
8. Do I know I have the right to make an informed choice?
If you only have the time or capacity to evaluate one of these questions, #4 is very compelling. Weighing the risks of the vaccines v. severity of the disease is a great place to start.
Risk Benefit Example
One example of this is Measles. While the disease is highly contagious, it is also considered to be quite treatable. Complications of measles can include respiratory infections, ear infections and encephalitis. In recent years there has been an average of 1 death per year related to measles. The only way to attain a vaccine for measles is as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. According to NVIC, as of March 1, 2012, there have been 898 claims filed in the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) including 56 deaths and 842 serious injuries. Given just this limited comparison what decision would you make?
* In an effort to be a completely informed consumer, much more detailed information on vaccine ingredients, statistics, disease symptoms and risks, etc can be found at nvic.org, in Dr. Sears The Vaccine Book, cdc.gov and many other sources *
Boutique Vaccines
The current AAP immunization schedule includes 49 doses of 14 vaccines before the age of 6. In the mid 1980s children received 7 vaccines by age 5. Some might say that there has been a staggering increase in the number of vaccines now recommended. Many kids are receiving 5 shots in one visit and 20 before the age of 2. For this reason it is also important for parents to differentiate vaccines that may have been created for convenience. You might consider that the Rotavirus, flu and chicken pox vaccines are designed to keep kids in school and keep parents from missing work. These might be considered boutique vaccines.
Conclusion
It is important for parents to make an informed decision regarding vaccines. Many experts recommend a modified vaccine schedule. Perhaps choosing fewer vaccines or choosing to delay or spread out the recommended schedule may work for you. One thing I know is that there is no wrong answer. Factors including public health, vaccine risks, family history, disease severity, ability to receive treatment, health insurance and medical treatment options are going to weigh differently for all families. These factors may also weigh differently for individual children within families. Evaluate the ‘Ask 8’ from the NVIC each time you are embarking on an upcoming vaccine.
Dr. Lisa Goodman, DC is a family practitioner and board eligible pediatric chiropractor in Denver, CO.
