Severe Vaccine Side Effects

We've all been told about the importance of getting vaccines, keeping them up to date, and the dangers of not having them. Many a mother has been reprimanded by her pediatrician for not getting her child all of his vaccines on time. The pressure to be fully vaccinated is further impressed on us by the public school system, which does not allow non-vaccinated children to enroll in school, except in certain circumstances. We are taught to fear the consequences if our children are not vaccinated. As a result, we also tend to fear those who have not been fully vaccinated. Are our fears warranted?

Vaccine basics

• First, let's explore some of the different types of vaccines that are offered to Americans. While a few are optional, several are required or even mandated by individual states.

  HepA/HepB/Hib (Hepatitis vaccines)
  BCG (TB or tuberculosis vaccine)
  DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis)
  MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
  IPV (Polio vaccine)
  Varicella (Chicken pox vaccine)
  HPV, or Gardasil (Cervical cancer vaccine)
  TIV, Influenza (Flu vaccine)
  RV (rotavirus)

  There are approximately 22 vaccines currently available to Americans, with more to be released in the future. According to the CDC, vaccines are important because they "prevent diseases," Some argue that a healthy immune system is the best defense against disease. The CDC website does point out, "It's true, some diseases (like polio and diphtheria) are becoming very rare in the U.S. Of course, they are becoming rare largely because we have been vaccinating against them." However, it goes on to admit, "it is still reasonable to ask whether it's really worthwhile to keep vaccinating."

Why do we vaccinate?

• Because many of the above vaccines are for diseases that are becoming rare today, some question the need to continue enforcing their administration. Further, some feel that certain vaccines, such as HPV for cervical cancer, have not be thoroughly tested. Also, some flu vaccines are said to be completely ineffective. Additionally, there are some studies which link mercury in Thimerosal (used as a preservative in many vaccines) to autism and other childhood diseases. According to the FDA, some side effects of mercury toxicity from vaccines can range from anything as minor as mild irritation at the injection site to localized necrosis, and more severe reactions such as central nervous system injury, coma or even death.

Ask your physician

• The Center for Disease Control lists the side effects for vaccines. Your physician may or may not have made you aware of these side effects, but they are documented nonetheless, and patients should make themselves aware of the potential dangers. The side effects can be mild, moderate or even severe, and may be brought on by allergic reaction. For a more complete list, see the CDC website. A few remarkable side effects include: fevers, redness and soreness, tiredness, headaches, loss of appetite, serious allergic reaction, vomiting, seizures, coma, and permanent brain damage. In the 1970's, there were several cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) associated with the swine flu vaccine. This is especially noteworthy considering the recent outbreak of swine flu.

  What should we fear more, potential sicknesses if not vaccinated, or the side effects of the vaccines themselves? You be the judge.

More vaccines?

• You may have seen reports recently that with the recent swine flu outbreak, the US government has plans for a nationwide swine flu vaccination campaign. Also, recently you may have noticed commercials singing the praises of the new Gardasil vaccine for girls. As the medical community tends to jump on the band-wagon, so to speak, with new releases in medications and vaccinations, often before thorough long-term research is completed, perhaps consumers should exercise caution. On the Gardasil website, the manufacturer lists several potential side effects, such as: nausea, vomiting, fever, joint pain, headaches, and in rare cases, asthma, appendicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease.

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate, that is the question!

• As FDR once said, "the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself." If we are educated on the different types of vaccines, and what the corresponding state laws are, and our individual rights concerning vaccinations, we can make an informed decision for ourselves and our families.