1. Scientists, Parents Disagree on Role of Vaccines in Autism
While various studies report no connection between autism and vaccines, parents continue to disagree. Many parents of children with autism believe there is a connection, commonly noting regression in their child after receiving vaccines. There is no known cause for autism. That makes it difficult for any one theory to be disproved. Thus, the debate over the role of vaccines in autism continues to be divisive. There are two concerns parents commonly have with vaccines when it comes to autism: the MMR vaccine and the mercury, or thimerosal, in vaccines.
2. Parents Fear MMR Vaccine's Link to Autism
Many parents report regression in their children after receiving the Measles Mumps Rubella, or MMR, vaccine. Researchers contend that children get the MMR vaccine about the same time that most parents would start to notice autistic behaviors. Parents argue the MMR caused the autism symptoms. They report loss of language or eye contact, spinning or hand flapping and detachment after the MMR vaccine. Researchers continue to debate this by citing studies showing no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
3. Mercury Preservative Removed From Vaccines
In the United States thimerosal, a preservative containing mercury, should no longer be used in vaccines for children age 6 and under. The government removed the preservative in most vaccines in 2001. Thimerosal is, however, still in the flu vaccine given to children and pregnant women. You can ask your doctor to give vaccines without thimerosal. Parents of children with autism report high mercury in the lab test results for their children. This makes many of them question if the mercury came from vaccines. Researchers, however, contend there has been no decline in autism since the removal of thimerosal.
4. Court Cases Fuel Debate Over Vaccines and Autism
A U.S. Court of Claims conceded in March 2008 that vaccines triggered the symptoms of autism in a Georgia girl. Federal officials were quick to clarify that the case did not say vaccines caused the girl's autism. However, parents see this case as a first step to federal officials acknowledging an impact between vaccines and autism.
5. Alternative Vaccine Schedules Help Ease Fears With Autism
Parents can ask their doctors to spread out their child's vaccine schedule. They can also request thimerosal-free vaccines. Parents can ask their doctors give the MMR vaccine at an older age. All of this advice is controversial, and every parent needs to consult a doctor and follow what's best for their child. Find a doctor who listens to your fears and works with your child's immunization needs. Parents and scientists agree on one thing: the need for immunizations, but how much and when they are given is in question.
