I’m not sure whether or not this fits into the category of ‘uplifting stories’. Still, I am very glad to see that Dr. Andrew Wakefield has finally admitted that his study linking autism to childhood vaccines was a fraud. The ‘results’ of that bogus British study have really done long-lasting damage to public health in the UK and the US
One of my duties as a preschool director is making sure all of the children in our care have the recommended (in many cases, required) vaccines. Ever since Dr. Wakefield’s ‘findings’ became well known, many of our parents have been hesitant to get their children vaccinated. The fear of possibly causing Autism has led some to leave their children unvaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella. “Vaccination rates dropped sharply in Britain United States
I hope all of those parents who did not vaccinate their children because of Dr Wakefield’s claims will now rethink that decision. Here is the link to the CNN artcle:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/01/05/autism.vaccines/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/01/05/autism.vaccines/index.html
Retracted autism study an 'elaborate fraud,' british journal finds. (2011). CNN Health, Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/01/05/autism.vaccines/index.html
Ellen,
ReplyDeleteI am also responsible for making sure every child entering my school is vaccinated per New Jersey requirements. In NJ, parents can sign a waiver stating vaccines are against their religious beliefs. Many parents used this waiver when they were concerned about the vaccine-autism link. It wasn't really their religious belief, but it offered them an out. Some of the nurses were outraged by this. Personally, I respect a parent's choice providing they were educated to the risks of not vaccinating. I also make sure they have access to free vaccine clinics. I never saw a child die from a vaccine, but I know of a child that died from the chicken pox (developed chicken pox encephalitis).
Ellen,
ReplyDeleteThis studying had such a huge impact on the parents I served. They looked at this study as having a huge impact on there child's life. This is why I am so nervous because there are so many people doing research how do you know what information to trust and not trust. Cause in the long run this study cause more harm than good causing children to come down with illnesses that have been around in a long time.