Immunization is the process of improving the body’s ability to fight against diseases. Currently, more than 20 diseases can be contained using vaccines. Diphtheria, polio, tuberculosis, tetanus, and measles are some of the diseases that can be controlled by administering vaccines to children. Some vaccines can be administered to teenagers and adults. However, for a long time, there has been a widespread misconception that vaccines increase a child’s likelihood of suffering from behavioral disorders such as autism. Many people believe that autism is caused by some of the ingredients found in vaccines. In this paper, I will analyze available medical information to ascertain whether there is any link between immunization and autism.
Over the last twenty years, the number of autism cases among children has increased by a large margin. According to the Center for Disease Control, at least 1 in every 54 children are likely to suffer from autism (Center for Disease Control, 2020). The cause of autism disorder is closely associated with immunization and genetic predisposition. However, immunization has always received the largest share of medical attention. Initially, a scientific report suggested that some vaccines had traces of thimerosal and were dangerous to children. Many parents reacted to this report and were skeptical about taking their children for immunization. That puts the children at a higher risk of contracting communicable diseases. Medical practitioners later nullified this research because it did not use relevant research methodologies. The credibility of data collection could also not be guaranteed.
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Thimerosal is a mercury-based compound that is used to preserve most vaccines. There was a panic when children who had received the vaccine began showing signs of autism. The common assumption was that mercury being a heavy metal compound was more predisposed to causing adverse effects on children. Its use was banned in vaccines and researchers conducted numerous studies to ascertain whether it was harmful. The compound was commonly used in preserving the measles vaccine. Children under two years were given vaccines that had traces of thimerosal. Samples were then collected from children suffering from autism and also from healthy children. Results showed that both children had the same level of antigens. The consensus was that there is no link between immunization and suffering from autism. The increased rate of autism can be a result of the widespread diagnosis, environmental conditions, or genetic composition. Scientists are working to explore other risk factors that could increase children’s susceptibility to contracting autism. All the ingredients used in the manufacture and preservation of vaccines have been marked as safe. The claims that immunization causes autism are therefore misinformed and devoid of medical evidence.
The reassurance from medical researchers that the research was flawed has not cooled down all the fears and phobias about vaccines. The 1998 research by the Lancet group has stuck in the minds of many and it is difficult to prove otherwise ( DeStefano & Shimabukuro, 2019) . The section of people who believe that the measles vaccine is responsible for causing autism have not been keen to understand that the paper was published on malicious grounds. Many parents still question the authenticity of vaccines and some remain adamant to have their children vaccinated. The number of children receiving the measles vaccine has dropped significantly in areas where the debate gained momentum. Over the years many scientists have come up to refute the research. However, the media has been the greatest champion for the anti-immunization campaign. Media personnel frequently revisit the story to perpetuate the notion that immunization is flawed and has negative effects. Many people believe that the debate against vaccination has provided a better avenue to understand more about the causes of autism and how it can be effectively controlled. Perhaps if people had not expressed their doubts about the vaccine no one would have bothered to look into autism and try to unravel how it is caused.
Before 1990s, there was no specific diagnosis for autism. Autism was classified among a series of behavioral and regression disorders. Vaccines had also not been in existence for a long time and studies were still underway to make sure that they were safe. Those against vaccines therefore acted in a blind belief trying to find some information to substantiate their claims. Due to the little-known facts, it was easy to convince parents of victims that vaccines were responsible for the condition. Other parents followed suit and were convinced that they should not subject their children to immunization. By selling this idea to those with limited understanding of medicine, the malicious anti-vaccine campaigners had achieved their purpose. Nullifying this belief has been a hard nut to crack but it will be a savior to the lives of many children who may be exposed to measles.
Conclusion
Misconceptions and misinformed theories about vaccines cannot override the importance of immunization. Vaccines save millions of lives every year and also protect children from disorders and deformities. Therefore, parents should not panic or put their children away from vaccination clinics. Medical research has proved that vaccines are not a causal agent of autism. However, it is not evident what causes autism parents should be vigilant to notice the symptoms early in advance. Timely medical intervention can help autistic children to live more fulfilling lives.
References
Center for Disease Control (August 25, 2020) Autism and Vaccines Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism.html
DeStefano, F., & Shimabukuro, T. T. (2019). The MMR vaccine and autism. Annual review of virology .
https://doi.org/10.1146/annuarev-virology-092818-015515
