The history of Immunology largely involves the discovery of vaccines. Vaccines have undoubtedly saved millions of lives over the decades they have been used. However vaccines are not without controversy. Many people think that there is link between vaccines and autism. There are some families that do not get vaccinated. There is some evidence that vaccines have caused the disease they are trying to prevent as in the recent case of polio vaccines..this is called VDPV..vaccine derived polioviruses.Do some research and examine the evidence. Do you think there is a link between autism and vaccine use?
Check out the VDPV cases. Have there been deaths in this case? How many cases of vaccine induced polio have been documented? Is there enough evidence in this case to make all vaccine's suspect as dangerous?
Would you or will you have your children vaccinated?
Do you think polio can be eradicated?
Blog responses are due Sept 9
The polio virus used to be a greatly feared disease in America, infecting thousands each year, and leading, in some cases, to paralysis or death. Throughout the early 1900s, epidemics spread intermittently through the U.S., one of the terrible diseases of childhood. After the OPV (live oral poliovirus vaccine) was introduced in 1955, the numbers began to drop in the years to follow. In 1965 there were only 61 cases of polio leading to paralysis. However, if the vaccine-virus alters (reverts to virus form) while replicating within the intestine (replication typically occurs for 6-8 weeks after vaccine is administered), it may be excreted and infect other patients that are not vaccinated. Or, if an infected individual is immunodeficient in some capacity, the vaccine-virus may not be eradicated from the gut for a lengthy period of time. In under-vaccinated communities, the VDPV (vaccine-derived poliovirus) may circulate throughout a community, infecting more unprotected individuals. Many developed countries have moved to IPV (inactivated poliovirus vaccine), thus eliminating the possibility of VDVP developments, yet also vaccinating the population. However, the transition is still not complete from OVP to IVP – should the vaccine be stopped altogether because of the possibility of VDPV? The VDVP is most dangerous in under-vaccinated communities, but in developed countries that are predominantly immunized, it is not an issue. The answer seems to be to vaccinate all individuals and so not allowing the circulation of VDPV among non-immunized individuals. For certainly, the number of polio cases caused by the wild-occurring poliovirus (say, before the vaccine was introduced in 1955) are far more than the few cases of VDPV that have been documented. The problem of circulation of the virus is thus solved. Yet, there are still those individuals who actually develop polio from the vaccine they received, after the alteration during replication in their intestine. Yet again, however, these cases are few and far between. Additionally, as the transition is completed from OVP to IVP, as the vaccine-virus is not live, even this development of VDPV will be eliminated. The hope then is to transition as quickly as possible, and minimize exposure of under-immunized communities to those vaccinated with OVP. -T.A.
ReplyDeleteI would say it would be beneficial to vaccinate with IVP in third world countries, if it really does eliminate the vdvp developments, this could be a breakthrough in the vdvp outbreaks. I think the majority of cases vdvp comes from incorrect uses of vaccinations, since third world countries do not have "safety nets" installed for the case of vdvp it could cause an amazing amount of difficulty in finding the people who have vdvp and providing treatment from overseas can be very expensive. For countries such as the U.S. we do not need to worry as much, because the cases are much rarer and much better treated.
DeleteTirza excellent work and thanks for posting first. DrFrancis
ReplyDeleteThe controversy continues even hundreds of years after the first vaccinations were introduced to the world of medicine. It is no longer a concern of witchcraft as it was in the early days, but now a concern of risky side effects leading to disorders such as autism. There have been several cases of children developing autism after receiving the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccination. Parents are questioning whether this is coincidence or directly linked to the vaccination itself. Many parents of children who have developed autism are searching hard for evidence and putting much effort into research studies. Though a particular study revealed evidence of a possible connection between autism and the measles virus found in the bowels of autistic children, much mystery still haunts the theory. The lack of evidence directly linking autism to the MMR vaccine has caused scientists to believe the disorder is caused by genetic and environmental factors. I feel that it has to be a combination of factors. If autism was only contracted through a deficient or weak immune system, wouldn't autism be more common? Most babies have vulnerable and undeveloped immunes systems making them really good candidates for this disorder. If I had the choice to vaccinate my own children, I would. Based on the research done, the risk is much higher for an unvaccinated child to contract measles, mumps, or rubella than autism. Contracting any one of these diseases can lead to neurological complications and death. Until more studies are done concerning this controversy, the facts overrule the theory. Vaccination appears to be the safer route. -jLo
ReplyDeleteThe institute of medicine has done a study which provided evidence that the MMR vaccine did not lead to more cases of autism in children. I do not believe autism is contracted through a weak immune system, I could be wrong, but a weak immune system is not a factor in obtaining autism, even in children.
DeleteWe must know first off that Autism is not a disease. It is a mental brain disorder. According to the Autism Society of America; autism is the third most common developmental disability, it's even more common than individuals with Down syndrome. The symptoms used to diagnose autism include: impairment, inability to make friends with peers, repetitive, or unusual use of language, abnormal intensity or focus, and preoccupation with parts of objects. It's important to know how autism plays out to expand our knowledge on this pandemic neurological brain disorder.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the CDC, there was a new study conducted that was released suggesting that now 1 out of 50 children in the US have autism. The rate has been steadily, but slowly rising which raises concern between the relationship of vaccine use and autism as a whole. Recently, the CDC has released a study depicting the increased exposure of Antibody-Stimulating Proteins and Polysaccharides in Vaccines having no close relation with the risk of Autism. Having read a study conducted by Brian S. Hooker, Ph.D., P.E.,(Associate Professor of Biology at Simpson University in Redding California) [released 2013] in the Journal of Pediatrics last week, stated: "increasing exposure to antibody-stimulating proteins and polysaccharides in vaccines during the first two years of life was not related to the risk of developing an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)." Brian S. Hooker has been part of the active autism community since 2004, and has ever since been recognized for his publications and interest in the topic having a 15-year old son with autism. Due to the thousands and thousands of vaccines given out each year, I personally believe vaccines have come a long way, and with millions of studies that are out there, parents should feel reassured that vaccines do not cause Autism.
VDPV or (Vaccine-dervied polioviruses) are rare strains of poliovirus that have been genetically mutated. The vaccine is taken orally and contains live, attenuated vaccine-virus. There are several types of VDPVs. According to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, "Episodes of circulating vaccine-dervied poliovirus are rare. Between 2000 and 2011- a period in which more than 10 billion doses of oral polio vaccine were given worldwide- 20 cVDPV (circulating VDPV) outbreaks occured, resulting in 580 polio cases. In the same period, wild poliovirus paralyzed over 15,500 children." Just last fall, there was a recommendation for the polio vaccine that was usually given as an oral vaccine, to a vaccine that contains inactivated polio vaccine. The reason for this, is to further reduce the risk of developing polio from the otherwise "live" vaccine. The vaccine has thus been a success.
I will definitely vaccinate my own children in the future. It is important to note that vaccines, in general, are some of the best tools out there to fight a number of infectious diseases that can kill. I'm not saying that there is absolutely no risk involved, but the consequences of a child that is not protected with immunizations needed can be far worse.
Smallpox was eradicated in 1977. The CDC is a partner in the effort to eradicate polio worldwide. Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal disease, the idea behind eradication of polio is based on the notion of prevention and stopping the transmission all together.
-Peter F.
There is a section in the first chapter of our textbook (pg. 5) that has relevance to this issue. It continues to back the claim that the link between MMR vaccination and autism is uncorrelated at least for now in the scientific community. In fact, when the British Medical Journal published an article in 1998 claiming that MMR did cause pervasive developmental disorders in children, thus causing a decrease in MMR vaccination, rates of measles and mumps increased in Europe and these “developmental disorders” did not show a decrease in number. Also, it was thought that thimerosal (contains mercury) used in vaccines to inhibit bacterial growth was the cause of autism but autism rates remained unaffected by the removal of thimerosal from vaccines in 2001.
ReplyDeleteIt seems as though Polio can be eradicated! There are three strains of the wild type virus (World Health Organization) and none of them can stay alive without a host for very long. Thus, if every person is properly immunized from the possible Polio infection, the poliovirus can and will be eradicated. Type 2 poliovirus has already been eradicated (1999). However, there seem to be periodic resurgences of the virus like in Angola, Chad, and the Republic of Congo which had eliminated it in the past.
Poliovirus transmission is only ongoing/endemic in Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. It seems like the mass efforts to eliminate polio have cornered it in these three last countries. It also seems that there is a short period of time in which polio must be eradicated before it resurges to another neighboring nation (Dr. Frieden from WHO).
I would vaccinate my children. In terms of medicine, there are risks to everything we do and at this point, the benefits that vaccines offer, far outweigh the possible risks. Also, scientific research backs up the fact that many of these “risks” and side effects are not related to the vaccines or have been fixed or eliminated, as Peter, jLo, and T.A. have already mentioned.
I do not believe that to be true, while there are risks/reward the polio virus when it undergoes mutation leads to death in this case, so it would be not wise to vaccinate your children if you consider it from a risk reward basis, because again the risk is death and reward is possible avoidance of death. Even if the risk of death is small, the cost is immeasurable. Of course if you knew that your child would contract polio and die from it in the future that would be different, but the thing is there is no way of knowing.
DeleteAutism is a prevalent disease affecting 1 in 88 children and is not going away anytime soon as it is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the US. Many studies have been conducted concerned with a relation between childhood vaccines and autism. The MMR or measles-mumps-rubella vaccine has been examined to have any link to autism along with vaccines containing thimerosal. Thimerosal is used as a preservative in vaccines but since 2001 has been removed from most vaccines and even those which still have thimerosal have thimerosal-free vaccine options. However several studies conducted on these specific vaccine and vaccine ingredients have come back negative. There has been no link found between vaccine use and the frequency of autism and the concerns of vaccines causing autism have been nearly eradicated. The Institute of Medicine also conducted a review of data and scientific evidence to find if there have been any adverse effects of vaccines concluding that vaccines are very safe. To answer the question if my children will be vaccinated, my answer is yes. I believe there is a far greater danger of exposure to the actual diseases that threaten society than the speculation and fear from vaccinations.
ReplyDeleteTwo logical fallacies come to mind regarding the question of correlation between vaccines administered and the development of autism. The first is confusing association with causation. Merely because two events are associated, or occur during the same period of time, does not necessarily mean that one causes the other. On the other hand, this fallacy can be invoked improperly, leading to a fallacy in its own right – the denial of causation. This is when a clear case supports the cause of something, yet it is denied on small grounds of uncertainty or questioning the declaration due to the possibility of it being wrong. Often, this occurs with statistics, as only probabilities are given; yet, if it is almost certainly probably, there is no reason to emphatically deny the conclusion due to the small chance it is wrong.
ReplyDeleteWhen many unknowns still shroud a particular disease, caution should be practiced on both ends of the spectrum, neither denying the possibility of causation nor proclaiming cause merely due to contemporaneous occurrence. So I think caution ought to be served regarding vaccines and autism. Research is being conducted, and has been (as in the particular instance of thimerosal). But as of yet, there has been no clear link established between vaccines and the development of autism. (Note: it would be unwise to devote all research resources to merely understanding the connection between vaccines and autism; the more autism itself is understood, the more likely the cause of its recent rise will be discovered, whether it be vaccines or otherwise.)
So, will I vaccinate my own children? Well, as a woman, I must first say that has a lot to do with what my husband thinks. None of my siblings were vaccinated, as my oldest sister nearly died due to her first round of immunizations. My parents didn’t reject the idea of vaccinations fearing development of autism or otherwise, they simply did not care to lose a child (didn’t think the risk was worth it). I think however, when weighing the costs and benefits from a medical stand point (what I have learned as of now), I would vaccinate my own children. -T.A.
I don't think it is a good idea to vaccinate your children, if your older sister is sensitive to vaccinations, this might be the case for your children as well. I would check into the reason for your sister's sensitivity to the virus to see if the cause might have genetic implications.
DeleteHaving read the previous comments to this post concerning polio and vaccinations, I agree with my fellow classmates in their conclusions. Polio was a disease that threatened many people throughout the U.S. and the world in the early 1900’s, however, due to incredible advances in the medical field and donations to create more vaccines and spread them all over the world, Polio is nearly eradicated. The number of polio cases throughout the world has drastically dropped over the last decades. However, Polio is at a crucial point where it could be eradicated forever or it could resurge and live a few, if not many more years. Polio remains in the Middle East and northern Africa and while it can be eradicated in the next few years (which I think is possible), international cooperation is vital to destroying polio.
ReplyDeleteAfter researching whether autism and vaccines have a link between them. My reply would simply be no. Medical Organization and Institutes around the world agree that there is most likely no link between autism and vaccine; this includes the CDC, the World Health Organization, and the Institute of Medicine. Although it's not an absolute and we still don't know the complete causes of Autism, we can't abandon a useful tool that has cured many just based off a few cases where there was a thousand different variables occurring at that time. An increased number of people refused vaccinations from 2003 to 2008 during this period diseases cured by the vaccines were being spread.
ReplyDeleteThe VDPV are rare stains of the poliovirus contained inthe oral polio vaccine. I would agree with T.A.'s answer in that we should use IVP's in underdeveloped countries. In a underdeveloped country it would be a tough call to use OPV because there are circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) that can spread throughout the population. Another risk is immunodeficiency related vaccine derived poliovirus (iVDPV). People with this order have no immune response and are unable to clear infection. Although there is evidence that vaccines may pose issues, you have to look at the big picture. If the VDPV is causing more harm that the virus it's curing then it's probably better off to not take the vaccine. These situations however are only in the context of a underdeveloped country without IVP's.
I will indeed have my children vaccinated. Based of the research I believe that vaccinations are for the most part safe.
Trying to play the devil’s advocate, I found a woman named Dr. Suzanne Humphries who is anti-vaccine and brings up some good issues in her blog on the issue (although, I’m not sure if they are valid or not): http://drsuzanne.net/dr-suzanne-humphries-vaccines-vaccination/
ReplyDeleteShe cites another article that shows that 86% of children in a study of victims of Whooping Cough, were previously vaccinated: http://www.bmj.com/content/333/7560/174.full
However, the article is not very recent (2006). It seems that she is on the more naturalistic, “let your body fight it off” side, providing examples such as breast feeding instead of formula feeding to back up her point. She does bring up a good point, that what we know about how Immunology works and why it fails is quite limited (she sited a article that was published by a Standford student: http://stanmed.stanford.edu/2011summer/article7.html, but I think the main purpose was to describe a more conclusive way of being able to diagnose how a person’s immune system is faring).
Also, thinking of this issue throughout the past week, the thought occurred to me that the art of vaccines has not been perfected in the area of the flu virus. I can attest to many times that I have gotten the flu shot and yet have caught some kind of flu like symptoms.
The reason for having many flu shots, is because the every year the virus undergoes mutations of many different kinds, I believe the flu shot you got may or may not have the strain in which you have been immunized for. Most likely the virus had either undergone mutations in resistance to the vaccine or the shots you have been given consists of older ones. Either way it is because the vaccinations cannot take into account all of the virus and its mutations which is why taking those shots do not have high probability of stopping you from contracting flu. This is to say that the attributes and the nature of a virus plays a role in terms of vaccinations.
DeleteIt seems like the answer to controlling polio outbreaks are immunizations. The virus runs rampant in communities with low population immunity. Polio virus attacks those who are not immune to it and replicate and change into other strains as it is transmitted to others. Immunizations through oral vaccines limits the number of possible hosts to the virus, hence limiting the number of wild and vaccine strains of poliovirus. The more vaccinated a community is, the less harmful the poliovirus is.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Global Polio Eradication Initiative, circulating vaccine derived polio virus are rare. Between year 2000 and 2011, 10 billion doses of oral polio vaccines were administered worldwide and only 580 polio cases were reported. It seems that the wild polio virus is much more aggressive. During that same time period, the wild polio virus harmed 15,500 children. In order to eradicate or control the poliovirus, there would need to be worldwide immunization. I don't know how realistic this would be, as medicine is a pricey field.
-jLo
One of the reasons for the scare of vaccines possibly causing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) came from a study done by Dr. Anthony Wakefield. His study resulted in a publishing in the Lanclet about a correlation between the MMR vaccine and autistic regression. Later on, his methods were shown to be faulty and his medical license revoked. Despite this falsehood, groups formed against vaccination. This caused many studies to be done to find out whether vaccines could be a cause for autism. Officially this year, a study published by The Journal of Pediatrics disproved the notion of a causal relationship between vaccines and autism. They compared the vaccine antigens in children with ASD and children without ASD. Both groups were found to have the same amount of antigens and immunological stimuli. This study, along with other studies, makes me believe that vaccine does not cause autism, although there could still be a link. A study done by the American Journal of Public Health discussed the possibility of the MMR vaccine provoking the onset of symptoms for ASD. If this were true, it may be why many cases of autistic regression occur in the second year. Some of the findings in the Journal of Pediatrics may help to discredit this idea, but there still is a possibility there.
ReplyDeleteBased on my findings now and what I know about the risk ratio of vaccines, I would vaccinate my kids. I’m not a mother yet, though, so I cannot say that with certainty. Many things could be different at that time and there could be new findings. I think vaccines still have problems that need to be worked through and there may be unknown advantages of not taking vaccines. I have a friend whose parents never vaccinated him and he rarely ever gets sick. There may be no correlation there, but by the time I have kids maybe things will be different. At this point, I think vaccination is important and needed.
The Institute of medicine has done a clear study in 2004. Doing a study of 256 with ASD (Autism spectrum disorder) and 752 children without ASD, it has determined there is no evidence shown that children vaccinated have a higher chance of getting a ASD. The reason for the prejudice again vaccines is because of a controversy in 1998, known as the MMR controversy where the MMR vaccine was suspected of contracting Autism to children. The exact of Autism is not well known, however its is believed to be a combination of genetic and outside environmental factors that lead to it. However there is no evidence found for vaccines being one of the factors.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2:
ReplyDelete1. A death of vdpv has been recorded in an 11-month infant by rohit shelke in India, however this was due to the (OPV) polio vaccine being administered incorrectly. For the child the booster shot after the major first shot, came 5 months or so. It is extremely important to monitor and inspect if a child has regular shots for him to develop immunity against the polio virus, if the child is not given proper time for his immunization, the results could fatal as the child's immune system is not as strong as an adult's.
2. There are more than 580 polio case resulting from cVDPV of 20 outbreaks these case are significant, to cause attention to the matter and subject. However for iVDPV there has been a smaller number of 33 cases of people being infected. aVDPV is not well known and very little information can be found for any cases.
3. No, we cannot conclude that all vaccines are dangerous based on this information, however if we consider the vaccine for polio, even with the outbreak of polio virus the vaccine itself has done more good in eradicating polio if you consider it from an life/death ratio, the vaccine itself does more good than harm. Considering other vaccines have eliminated entire disease with less than a span of century it is wrong to discredit all vaccines as being hazardous, most of these events of mutated virus occur due to improper use or timing of the vaccinations. However there is a moral consideration as well, let say that even with proper usage and timing in the order of vaccinations, there are still mutations and they are lethal. Then would it be right to use the vaccine, because this presents a moral dilemma a majority of the population will be preserved, however some will die due to its vaccination. Is all right to spin a russian roulette of such a vaccination to the preservation of the human race? If we think about this from a biblical perspective, its is wrong to kill people even if it saves the lives of others, especially if this pertains to children. However this may not be the case, and the chances of contracting the polio mutation form of the virus, usually results from a ineffective knowledge of the immune system and improper use of vaccination. If more people were to understand the immune system in its need for repeated vaccinations, I believe the odds of contracting mutations of the virus to be almost miniscule. However that is not to say that there is not risk, remember a vaccine is basically weakened forms of viruses, its hard to believe that could be 100% safe, however the process allows for the strengthening of the immune system and that could help out immensely for the overall population and even eliminate such threats if we considers the use of vaccinations from a long term perspective.
If I had children I would vaccinate them with every possible vaccination, however I would make sure they would have repeated vaccinations and make sure that the vaccinations are spaced out accordingly. Protecting children at a young age, allows them to have an advanced immune system, which could prove to be very important, especially if there was a pandemic or outbreak of viruses.
ReplyDeleteI believe that it is possible to eradicate polio virus. With informed individuals and correct application of our vaccination and research into better vaccinations can result into less mutations of viruses which will result in less outbreaks of the virus. Part of the problem lies in the distribution of safe clean vaccinations to third world countries, even that can be amended if people made a contributed effort in such a process we can eradicate at least the majority of outbreaks caused by polio. However if the virus turns more resilient we may need to consider an advanced vaccination against the mutated forms of species, and it may prove to be a longer struggle depending on the virus and its resilience and its ability to adapt to preserves its own species.
ReplyDeleteIn the mid 1980's through the late 1990's tests were conducted to determine the prevalence/linkage of autism in vaccines that carried the preservative Thimerosal. It was believed that this preservative might increase the risk of autism. The research that was conducted compared the prevalence of autism in three locations California, Sweden, and Denmark. The results from all three countries showed an interesting trend, autism-like disorders began to increase during the period of 1985–1989. Moreover, this trend picked up during the early 1990's within the United States. This is most likely due to the increase in Thimerosal dosages within the US during the early 1990's. Interestingly enough Thimerosal vaccines had been significantly reduced in Sweden and Denmark during the time when autism rates were rising. This lead researches to conclude that Thimerosal containing vaccines could not be directly linked to autism. Other articles online provide general support for the idea that a direct causal link between vaccinations and autism cannot be made. However, those who would argue the other side have more than a fair amount of evidence and while they may not have completely proven a direct correlation, they have provided enough evidence to raise suspicion about vaccines. This makes you wonder if these vaccines were removed would autism rates drastically drop? Then again if these vaccines were removed would more people suffer from the diseases these vaccinations aim to prevent? I have friends who have chosen to manage which vaccines are given to their children and at what time they are given. They have said the amount of foreign substances given to newborns so quickly concerns them. Based on my current understanding of the issue I would allow my child to be vaccinated. I would be cautious about the number of vaccines given to my newborn and when.
ReplyDelete- Jon M.
Polio used to be common in the U.S. and is responsible for causing severe illness in thousands of people before the introduction of the vaccine in 1955. A vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a strain of poliovirus. This strain can be more easily spread to others who are unvaccinated against polio.
ReplyDeleteVDPV was found in a child in the state of Minnesota in 2005. It's believed the child caught the virus by coming into contact with someone in the community who received the vaccine ac couple of months prior. After this case, seven other unvaccinated children in the child’s community were shown to have poliovirus infection. Most believe it is unlikely that any vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) seen in the United States has the ability to become a widespread epidemic. On the positive side, polio vaccines protect people against naturally occurring polioviruses and vaccine-derived polioviruses. There does not seem to be enough evidence to shut down vaccines altogether.
Paralysis is the more common defect that results because of VDPV. However, VDPV has been a very beneficial tool to significantly cause the disease of polio to retreat worldwide. While polio has not been eradicated completely, it does seem to be closer to extinction than ever before. SInce this disease is not prevalent in the U.S. many see VDPV as more of a threat than a beneficial agent. In 1977 smallpox was eradicated, and polio was predicted to be gone by the year 2000, but of course this wasn't the case. Opinion is divided as to whether polio can ever be fully eradicated. I am hopeful, and new projections seem to indicate that we could be within a year of polio's official demise.
-Jon M.
Even though there is not necessarily a direct causal link between the MMR vaccine and autism, it is possible, based on previous comments and the evidence presented therein, that the problem is in the combination of vaccines. Perhaps in some people, the immune system becomes overwhelmed in such a way that brings about either the developmental disorder or circumstances that may result in autism. Whether this is the case or not, a good compromise between prevention and short-term health, as Jon mentioned, may be to space out vaccines or develop separated vaccines. It appears that the vaccine was combined for the sake of convenience. They are also available as separate vaccines. So, if the vaccine-associated reason for the development of autism is the combination and subsequent overwhelming of the immune system, the vaccines could be administered over a longer period of time instead.
ReplyDeleteAs previously stated, VDPV cases happen when someone who is immunized in an under-immunized population circulates the virus and the virus mutates into cVDPV (circulating vaccine derived poliovirus). It can also occur with a weakened immune system. A combination of facts from different articles seems to say that there have been 655 cases since 2000 and 42 people have died. There have been different numbers reported so these are rough estimates. A few countries who have been hit by this, especially India, have tried to take a stronger initiative this year in immunizing more people. This is the real problem with VDPV. Many countries still cannot get enough of the vaccines needed to stop polio and VDPV. One solution to VDPV is using inactivated virus instead of the live oral vaccine, which has helped in under-immunized populations, but it still doesn’t get to enough people. If more immunizations could get out, I think polio would subside significantly, but I’m not sure if it would be eradicated completely. From what we’ve seen of viruses and mutation, polio could mutate to the point where a new vaccination would have to be made and another epidemic could break out. We can see this even in the case of VDPV, even though it’s not as violent. I would hope it could be eradicated, but from the facts now, I don’t see it happening.
ReplyDeleteDespite the damage done by VDPV, the cases of this strain of the virus are much fewer and far less threatening to the population. Not to minimize the loss, but polio vaccine, as well as many others, have saved so many lives. There is always a level of risk when new measures are implemented, especially in the medical field. In this case, I would say the risk is worth the reward. Like Danielle mentioned, though the incidence of polio may never be fully eradicated, its frequency has declined vastly since the development of the vaccine. It is unfortunate that more disease came out of the vaccine, but it is still better than it was. It appears that part of the reason people are not vaccinated is the stigma still associated with vaccination: maybe promoting awareness about the more accurate research (that the causal relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism was disproved) may encourage people to allow their children to be vaccinated. This would lead us more strongly in the direction of eradication.
ReplyDelete1. Researching the evidences in the linkage between vaccination and autism (especially focusing in kids), I found several studies in which the conclusion was that, if there is any link between vaccines and autism, it’s minimum and it doesn't really prove a correlation between those factors. In Biology, because of the extension in diversity of living beings, we can see many exceptions. I think that a person is likely to have an alteration in it genes or propagation of a specific protein, which can alters this person’s health and a bad (or even good) way. But this person doesn't turn to a rule for humanity, but an exception (Sorry if I was confused, please ask me if you do not understand my point).
ReplyDelete2. Yes, there were cases in which the person died. Only 33 cases were documented worldwide, which makes it very rare and disprove the evidence that vaccines are dangerous.
3. Yes, I’m actually a big fan of vaccinations and being vaccinated. Some people call me “masochist” (who likes pains), since I have all my vaccination card filled with all possible vaccinations I could have. I just think God is so awesome that He gave men wisdom to figure out some ways to protect ourselves of some consequences of our sins (for instance, illness and sickness). Historically we can prove the improvement the world had with such developments and discoveries as vaccination and medical supplies.
4. First, I would point that eradication could happen in two ways: in a worldwide plan, in a certain location. I think both kinds of eradication are possible, even if the last mentioned would be easier (obviously). I think the biggest challenge is the specificity of the virus. Viruses are likely to suffer mutation in their genetic code, which can be clearly noticed in the variety of “flu” we have and the variety of HIV viruses. But with all the technology we have, I think it’s possible to create a vaccine in common to the most common viruses for polio, which would be helpful for the eradication of poliomyelitis.
Author of an article in the Journal of Immunitoxicology, Helen Ratajczak, a former scientist reviewed a body of published science since autism was discovered in 1943. In the article she states that causes of autism include generic mutation and/or deletion, viral infection and encephalitis (brain damage) fallowing vaccination. This leads her to believe that vaccination causes autism in a child. She says is that vaccinating a person throws the immune system out of balance. Ratajczak also takes in consideration the fact that human DNA is contained in these vaccines. She talks about the increase in autism as the human tissue was introduced in the vaccine.
ReplyDeleteThere are studies showing that methyl mercury can cause harmful mental and intellectual effects but it doesn’t cause autism. Some doctors and researchers drew the conclusion that the different type of mercury in childhood vaccines must also cause a similar side effect and may result in autism. Numerous studies conducted across the globe have tracked autism statistics both before and after the removal of thimerosal from childhood vaccines. The results show that there was no decrease in cases of autism after the vaccines were changed.
In polio vaccine there is a weakened polio virus. The vaccine replicates in the intestine once given to a child and enters the bloodstream trigerring immune response. This virus is excreted in bloodstream for six to eight weeks, during this time the virus will replicate and can change over six weeks period, this is vaccine derived polio virus. About 1 in 2.7 million can cause paralysis.
There are three types of vaccine-derived poliovirus:
1. circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV)- If populatin is under-immunized there will be children who can get excreted vaccine-derived polio viruses to began circulation in community. Between 2000-2011 there were more than 10 billion polio vaccine given. 20 VDVP outbreaks pccured and 580 were polio cases. Same time wild polio virus paralyzed 500 children.
2. immunodeficiency-related vaccine-derived poliovirus (iVDPV)-this happens because of prolonged replication of the vaccine virus. The people who are immunized with the virus do not start a immune response and so it causes immunodeficiency-related vaccine derived polio virus. This is very rare, only 33 cases have been documented worldwide.
3. ambiguous vaccine-derived poliovirus (aVDPV). – these are isolated from people with no immunodeficiency, or isolated from sewage whose source is unknown. Very little is known about them.
I don’t think there is enough evidence to say that vaccine cause autism. There are many theories that say vaccination cause autism, but no facts that prove that vaccination leads to autism.
Author of an article in the Journal of Immunitoxicology, Helen Ratajczak, a former scientist reviewed a body of published science since autism was discovered in 1943. In the article she states that causes of autism include generic mutation and/or deletion, viral infection and encephalitis (brain damage) fallowing vaccination. This leads her to believe that vaccination causes autism in a child. She says is that vaccinating a person throws the immune system out of balance. Ratajczak also takes in consideration the fact that human DNA is contained in these vaccines. She talks about the increase in autism as the human tissue was introduced in the vaccine.
ReplyDeleteThere are studies showing that methyl mercury can cause harmful mental and intellectual effects but it doesn’t cause autism. Some doctors and researchers drew the conclusion that the different type of mercury in childhood vaccines must also cause a similar side effect and may result in autism. Numerous studies conducted across the globe have tracked autism statistics both before and after the removal of thimerosal from childhood vaccines. The results show that there was no decrease in cases of autism after the vaccines were changed.
In polio vaccine there is a weakened polio virus. The vaccine replicates in the intestine once given to a child and enters the bloodstream trigerring immune response. This virus is excreted in bloodstream for six to eight weeks, during this time the virus will replicate and can change over six weeks period, this is vaccine derived polio virus. About 1 in 2.7 million can cause paralysis.
There are three types of vaccine-derived poliovirus:
1. circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV)- If populatin is under-immunized there will be children who can get excreted vaccine-derived polio viruses to began circulation in community. Between 2000-2011 there were more than 10 billion polio vaccine given. 20 VDVP outbreaks pccured and 580 were polio cases. Same time wild polio virus paralyzed 500 children.
2. immunodeficiency-related vaccine-derived poliovirus (iVDPV)-this happens because of prolonged replication of the vaccine virus. The people who are immunized with the virus do not start a immune response and so it causes immunodeficiency-related vaccine derived polio virus. This is very rare, only 33 cases have been documented worldwide.
3. ambiguous vaccine-derived poliovirus (aVDPV). – these are isolated from people with no immunodeficiency, or isolated from sewage whose source is unknown. Very little is known about them.
I don’t think there is enough evidence to say that vaccine cause autism. There are many theories that say vaccination cause autism, but no facts that prove that vaccination leads to autism.
Priyank Puranik