Private Practice Highlights Vaccine Dilemma
Sunday, January 11, 2009 12:31Vaccinations have been a hotly debated topic over the past year, with most arguements centered around both the safety of the measels, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) as well as the general safety of thimerasol and other preservatives in vaccines. Fear of autism and growing uncertainty about who is telling the truth, has caused many parents to stop vaccinating their children.
The vaccine debate is popping up everywhere, and prime time TV is no exception. This week, I was happy for a chance to relax, and catch a few of my favorite brainless TV shows, which are finally back from their holiday reruns. As it turned out, my viewing experience was a lot less brainless than usual.
On Private Practice, a spin off of Grays Anatomy on ABC, a young boy contracted the measles. This boy and his younger brother were unvaccinated, because their oldest brother had experienced a regression and was diagnosed with autism after receiving the MMR.
While the episode is full of controversial actions and messages, one thing in particular struck me. At the end of the episode, after the boy dies of complications from the measles, mother states that she “thought it would be like a cold.” She had no idea how serious the measles can be, because like most Americas, she’d never seen a case of the measles.
I think most of us are relatively unaware of the possible complications of many of the diseases we currenty vaccinate our children against because we don’t really know anyone who has had them. I went to medical school with the aim of becoming a pediatrician, and the last time I saw a case of the chicken pox was when I had them myself in second grade. I’ve never seen measles, mumps or rubella. I’ve never seen tetanus, diptheria or whooping cough (pertussis) either.
Don’t get me wrong, most children in developed countries who get these infections recover and do just fine. The problem lies in not being able to predict which kids won’t be so lucky. Just a little food for thought.
With all of this in mind, I’ll be writing a brief feature about several of these potentially serious vaccine preventable illnesses over the next few weeks. I hope it helps someone who is seeking another perspective on the vaccination issue.
Kristie says:
January 11th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Just a final note – I know I have friends and readers who fall on both sides of the vaccination debate. I also know that there are medical reasons not to vaccinate, as well as personal and religious ones. I appreciate everyone’s input on this topic, as long as it is delivered in a respectful manner. Thanks!!
Stephanie says:
January 11th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I’m generally in favor of vaccines, but I have one friend where I absolutely understand why she won’t do it. Her son already has seizures and other problems. She’s gone through a lot with him, and he reacts to a lot of things. I did advise her that if she ever changes her mind, most vaccines like MMR are available as individual vaccines and can be spread out. She hadn’t known that.
Most of my friends, I have no idea if they vaccinate or not.
The only one I worry much about is Gardasil, just because it’s so new and I don’t like the way it was pushed. My daughter is too young for that one anyhow, so I get time to watch and have an informed opinion by the time that one matters.
Sky says:
January 11th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Our son is vaccinated fully…he’s 9 and never had any problems. However, our daughter ended up violently ill after her second set of shots. Then again after her third. We’ve decided to delay any more vaccinations until she’s 3-4 years old. Then we will start with 1 at a time. It’s going to be quite tedious…but what is this mom to do? I see the dangers of not having her vaccinated, whooping cough was rampant around our school system this year. I’m at a loss of what to do.
Kristie says:
January 11th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Wow, it sounds like your friend has a lot on her plate when it comes to medical decisions. As you point out with dividing up the MMR, there is a lot many parents don’t know about vaccines.
I understand your reservations about Gardasil. I wish there was longer term data available now, so I could make a better informed decision on that one for my girls.
Kristie says:
January 11th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Sky-
We discussed delaying some of my son’s vaccinations for medical reasons, but then debated what to do if we had another whooping cough outbreak (or something else) in the state. My husband works all over the state, and attends a lot of large group functions. He could easily bring home something unsavory. The same with kids in school bringing bugs home to their family. It’s a very difficult decision to make because there are so many opposing factors involved.
I hope your daughter does well with the rest of her shots if/when you decide to continue.
Doug says:
January 11th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
almost annually, there is an outbreak of Whooping Cough on the Nthn Beaches of Sydney. most kids that are getting it, have been immunised. my daughter, who is not immunised, spent the days with friends (fully immunised) who we later found out had Whooping Cough… even after sharing a flute, she didnt get it.
People always argue using statistics… but its not about that – it is about your kid, and it is your choice to do it or not, and then live by that decision.
Kristie says:
January 11th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
I’m not sure how old your daughter is, but the pertussis vaccine is one that does tend to lose effectiveness over time. Many adults with pertussis spread it to babies and kids without ever knowing they have it, because in most cases it isn’t nearly as severe or dangerous beyond early childhood. As you point out though, no vaccine is 100% effective.
Joselyn says:
January 12th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
So very true! Well said in your article. Proper vaccination need to be taken in the childhood to get rid of some dangerous diseases. Thanks for educating on the topic.
Cascia @ Healthy Moms says:
January 13th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
New research has concluded that vaccines are not linked to autism. Every parent should get their children vaccinated. Interesting article, though!
Wayne says:
January 13th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
cascia@healthymoms,
Can you share this new research or point me in the direction of it? We have two girls, one 2 yr old and one 3 month old and we are looking for information to help make a decision on vaccines.
Thanks for any info you can share.
Kristie says:
January 14th, 2009 at 9:19 am
I’m not sure exactly what research study Cascia was referring to, but here is some of the data I’m aware of. This study looked at autism rates after removal of thimerosal from the vaccine supply, showing the rate was unchanged:
http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/65/1/19
This link at Vaccinate Your Baby gives links to many different research studies about vaccine safety in general and vaccines and autism:
http://www.vaccinateyourbaby.org/safe/research.cfm
-Kristie
anna baker says:
January 28th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
the cdc has a lot of info about vaccines. including the side effects. and on a ton of them, one of the possible side effects is brain damage. and just because they havent found the link yet, doesnt mean there isnt one. they havent found the cure for cancer, but we still look.
A.D.D is also linked to these things.
all of the side effects of the vaccines match directly to the side effects of mercury poisining.
when your preggers, your doc. tells you not to eat tuna because of the mercury, so why then should you turn around and inject your tiny baby with loads of it??
all im saying is for mamas to really do resurch, not to belive what your doctors will bully you into. they are looking to make a lot of money off of these shots. and they are programed to tell you to do this.
find out the risk, and then make your own disicion. its every mamas right to choose what is best for your child.no matter which side you pick…
Kristie says:
January 28th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Anna-
While I appreciate your opinion, I have to dispute one thing you said. Pediatricians are not really out to make “a lot of money” by administering vaccines. In fact, depending on your insurance, the reimbursements for vaccinations are sometimes LESS then the vaccine dose costs your doctor. Not to mention the time and energy related to ordering, stocking and storing the vaccines properly.
So, as far as revenue streams go, vaccines really aren’t where it’s at.
-Kristie