Vaccination and autism 10 years on: why are parents still worried?...

[SidDithers]

http://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/full/10.2217/17455111.2.6.667?cookieSet=1

Perceived risk


Vaccines are one of the most successful public health interventions of all time. Diseases that once killed thousands of children have virtually been eliminated from the developed world. By decreasing the threat of infectious diseases, vaccines have paradoxically become victims of their own success. Since these diseases are no longer prevalent, many younger parents and physicians are not familiar with them and, hence, they are not perceived as dangerous.

Vaccines are unique among pharmaceutical agents in that they are given to otherwise healthy children to prevent disease in the future. In this setting, the mere suggestion – whether based in reality or perception – that vaccines may have deleterious effects may result in the deferral of vaccination.

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Conclusion


Many parents remain concerned about the putative association between vaccines and autism, and an increasing number are deferring immunization. If this trend continues, the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases will increase, leading to serious sequelae and deaths. While such events would likely shift the risk–benefit analysis back towards vaccination <15>, effective vaccine risk-communication strategies are needed to maintain public confidence in the immunization program before they occur. Despite significant misinformation in the media and on the internet, primary-care physicians remain the most influential source of information about childhood immunizations. Providing these physicians with accurate and reliable information about vaccine safety, and strategies to discuss these issues with parents is necessary to prevent the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Sid

[Demeter]

1. Because The Search For an Outside Agent Deflects Guilt

and suggests a cure.

My daughter's autism is genetic, too many engineers in the family. There may be some environmental trigger, as well, but the tendency runs in both sides of the family tree. I never heard of autism before she was born 26 years ago, so it wasn't on my radar.

There may be a cure in the future. Right now, there are ways to compensate for some of her issues. But there is no cure, and don't believe anyone who claims there is. There is management, research, and hope, but no immediate out.

[mzmolly]

2. "an increasing number are deferring immunization..."

Not sure where that information is coming from?

"Immunization coverage rates in U.S. reach new heights."

http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/188943047.html

Also, the link isn't working for me?

[SidDithers]

3. This might be a better link...

http://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/abs/10.2217/17455111.2.6.667

Then select "Full Text"

Sid

[mzmolly]

4. Thanks.

I'll take a peek.