AskDrSears - The Vaccine Book: American Academy of Pediatrics Releases Statement on Vaccines and Autism

American Academy of Pediatrics Releases Statement on Vaccines and Autism

Friday, March 14, 2008

The AAP released a statement today to address the recent controversy on vaccines and autism. It began with a discussion on what autism is and what the theoretical causes may be, along with reassurance that there is no evidence of any connection between vaccines and autism. The policy went on to explain what mitochondrial disease is and how this may have played a role in the Hannah Polling case (see my previous blog – Larry King Asks). It concluded with a discussion on the overall safety and benefits of vaccines and urged parents to continue to vaccinate as usual.

I must admit that I agree with almost everything in this statement. The explanations it offers and the examples of how successful some vaccines have been is all accurate. However, I think there is just one little issue that should be raised to balance it all out. That is the fact that there IS SOME research that shows vaccines have some very rare but potentially serious side effects. And there is a bit of research that shows there may be a link between autism and vaccines in some children, as the Hannah Polling case reflects. Of course, the vast majority of research does NOT show a link, and this court case does not prove any link overall.

It is my belief that parents should be completely educated about vaccines, how they are made, what the possible side effects are, what the benefits are, and how common (or rare) and how serious (or mild) the diseases can be. Yes, vaccines are overall safe in most children, and the diseases can be very serious. And parents can make an educated decision about what they feel is the right course of action for their family. Parents who are worried about possible side effects and wish to vaccinate in a manner that may decrease the possibility of reactions should discuss an alternative vaccine approach with their doctor.

Click here http://www.aap.org/new/autisminfomain.html to read the AAP’s statement.

Labels: Vaccines and Autism

23 Comments:

At March 14, 2008 4:24 PM , mothersandmoreeastcobb said...

I would like to ask what is the point of knowing of the dangers that are possible with regard to vaccines/autism when we dont have any choice anyhow in this country but to vaccinate our kids? Because I am totally convinced of a link between autism and the MMR (long story - I used to live in England and knew firsthand of many cases),I was distraught to find that if I did NOT allow my son to have the MMR jab (or the equivalent single separate jabs), he would not be allowed to go to school.. so I tried to get him the three separate jabs but not a single pediatrician in Georgia would agree to administer the separate vaccines, even after I found a pharmacy to supply them!! So I had literally NO choice but to vaccinate my son!! I thought this was the land of the free, I thought I would have free choice over something like this in the USA!
At March 14, 2008 4:28 PM , Marietta Moms Michelle Sollicito said...

I should like to point out that the above comment took on the wrong identity name - mothers and more east cobb - I removed that from my profile some time ago, not sure what happened - it should have said marietta moms
At March 14, 2008 8:19 PM , Dr. Bob Sears said...

Even though 30 states make vaccine mandatory, you still have the choice to at least delay any shots you don't want until your child reaches the age when someone actually enforces the law on you. You can still do things differently than the standard schedule.
At March 14, 2008 9:19 PM , Anonymous said...

I agree with you Dr. Sears. I have two children. The first child, a girl, was vaccinated with no problems and is a healthy and happy three year old, although she suffers from a dairy allergy. My second, a boy, suffered a severe screaming reaction to his shots at 2 months. The reactions continued at 4 months and at 6 months. He regressed for two months after his last vaccination, but has since caught up and is a healthy, normal 14 month old who also has food allergies. I stopped vaccinating him at 6 months and will not continue. The risks are to great for him in my opinion. I'm sad that my pediatrician never educated me about potential severe reactions until after my son had one. In my opinion the AAP is not telling the whole story. As parents we are left to educate ourselves and be our children's best advocate.
At March 15, 2008 11:21 AM , Elizabeth F. said...

Marietta Moms-
I totally understand what you are trying to say. In les progressive areas "everyone" vaccinates on the suggested schedule and it is an up-hill battle to do anything other than the status-quo. In fact, our Ped office is denying care to patients who are still researching vaccines in order to make a more educated decision AND denying care to delayed/selective vax patients not just non-vaxxing. It absolutely astounds me that as a parent they think I have no say so and no other options.
At March 27, 2008 8:18 PM , Anonymous said...

I just placed and order for your book. I have a 15month old who has had all the vaccines up to the recalled HIB shot. He is scheduled to get the MMR and catch up on the HIB later next month. I have asked many peds not only in GA but also other states to answer my concerns on the vaccines and was assured the vaccines are safe. He has also had one flu shot. What should I do to get him on the alt vaccine shedule?
At March 27, 2008 10:25 PM , MzT said...

I'd just like to point out that here in Oregon (as in other states, I imagine,) we have an additional mode of enforcing vaccines - children on the state's health care plan are required to be vaccinated according to the schedule at the risk of losing their benefits. Luckily (I guess) those folks are severely understaffed and can't seem to get around to enforcing it.
At March 29, 2008 8:28 PM , Anonymous said...

parents should know about vaccines like all of us should know about pharaceutical medications and their effects on our bodies. You think the cigarette companies were "bad" for exposing the public to something that has such adverse health effects....yet the FDA approves drugs to go out on the market everyday that not only have adverse health effects for the user - but also result in exacerbating the genetic predispositions to health issues that gets passes on to their offspring - resulting in diminshed health for each subsequent generation. We have no control over what is put on the market - how it is made or who it is distributed to. Vaccinations???? same story... want to talk about our food production. Hey maybe we're importing our vaccinations from China - isn't that a thought??
At April 1, 2008 4:25 PM , Anonymous said...

Hello,

I have two younger brothers with Autism and I am currently faced with the decision whether or not to get my daughter vaccinated (8 weeks old). Frankly, I am terrified!

As a sister I have closely experienced what Autism caused to my brothers and to my entire family. As a new Mother, I don't find the statements by the APA or CDC comforting/reassuring. Also, I really don't have time to wait for the research to proof or disproof the link or find the cause of Autism. Additionally, standard Pediatricians tell you the suggestion by the "book" which does not help in my situation.

For my daughter, I would like to try an immunization approach that is more "immune system friendly" if at all possible. I would like to know what modified immunization schedule would look like?
Many Thanks
At April 2, 2008 8:21 PM , malerner said...

Dr Sears, I am disappointed in your comments, which are certain to bring the veneer of a medical or scientific alternative to the current national vaccine recommendations, but which have little scientific validation. You suggest "a safe way to vaccinate that minimizes the risks of autism and other vaccine reactions", with your "Alternative Vaccine Schedule". You and I both know that you have conducted no peer-reviewed evaluation of this claim. You stated in 2006, "Giving parents some flexibility with the immunization schedule is a much preferable option to children not getting vaccinated at all". I agree with this statement. I have also made similar modifications, but have never encouraged them. You say, "The only downside for parents is the extra driving and extra co-pays." This is not true. While you are one of the beneficiaries of the 'extra co-pays', you leave the child unvaccinated for months or years, with a continuing risk from these preventable diseases, diseases that have a substantial risk of cancer, brain damage and / or death. By spreading out the vaccines, you increase the unprotected time for your patient, decrease protection against spread in our community, and increase the number of shots and episodes of pain (and potentially the number of local reactions or infections). The 'chemicals' are not lessened, just spread out. No science shows this is less risky. Missed vaccine opportunities lead to undervaccination and more illness in the community. At best, your alternative schedule is a last resort for families whose fear keeps them from getting their child the protection they deserve. I agree with you that pediatricians should take the extra time to educate parent about the risks and benefits of vaccines. You and other primary care doctors should also offer their patients a structured program of early developmental screening for development and autism, including use of measures such as the MCHAT or PDDST in the first two years of life. This is much more valuable than to offer an 'alternative vaccine schedule' escape hatch from well-functioning and scientifically grounded vaccination schedules. Marc Lerner, pediatrician (fully vaccinated) and parent of a fully-vaccinated autistic daughter.
At April 2, 2008 8:22 PM , malerner said...

Dr Sears, I am disappointed in your comments, which are certain to bring the veneer of a medical or scientific alternative to the current national vaccine recommendations, but which have little scientific validation. You suggest "a safe way to vaccinate that minimizes the risks of autism and other vaccine reactions", with your "Alternative Vaccine Schedule". You and I both know that you have conducted no peer-reviewed evaluation of this claim. You stated in 2006, "Giving parents some flexibility with the immunization schedule is a much preferable option to children not getting vaccinated at all". I agree with this statement. I have also made similar modifications, but have never encouraged them. You say, "The only downside for parents is the extra driving and extra co-pays." This is not true. While you are one of the beneficiaries of the 'extra co-pays', you leave the child unvaccinated for months or years, with a continuing risk from these preventable diseases, diseases that have a substantial risk of cancer, brain damage and / or death. By spreading out the vaccines, you increase the unprotected time for your patient, decrease protection against spread in our community, and increase the number of shots and episodes of pain (and potentially the number of local reactions or infections). The 'chemicals' are not lessened, just spread out. No science shows this is less risky. Missed vaccine opportunities lead to undervaccination and more illness in the community. At best, your alternative schedule is a last resort for families whose fear keeps them from getting their child the protection they deserve. I agree with you that pediatricians should take the extra time to educate parent about the risks and benefits of vaccines, and offer their patients a structured program of early developmental screening for development and autism, including use of measures such as the MCHAT or PDDST in the first two years of life. This is much more valuable than to offer an 'alternative vaccine schedule' escape hatch from well-functioning and scientifically grounded vaccination schedules. Marc Lerner, fully-vaccinated pediatrician and parent of a fully-vaccinated autistic daughter.
At April 4, 2008 10:29 AM , Anonymous said...

malerner....boy are you ignorant!
At April 4, 2008 10:31 AM , Anonymous said...

Get the crap out of vaccines and stop the pharm. companies and insurance companies from running our health care!!! They want to make big money! They dont give a darn about our health.
At April 4, 2008 10:36 AM , Anonymous said...

GET THE CRAP OUT OF VACCINES CHANGE THE VACCINE SCHEDULE AND GET RID OF NEEDLESS VACCINES...EDUCATE OUR DOCTORS ABOUT HEALTH AND NUTRITION, GET OUR DOCTORS OFF DRUGS,,THEY ARE BRAINWASHED BY MED SCHOOL AND THE PHARMS!!!! DOCTORS NEED TO EDUCATE THEMSELVES MORE REGARDING ALTERNATIVE HEALTHCARE
At April 4, 2008 1:16 PM , Anonymous said...

Houghton Mifflin Dictionary:
Definition of Ignorant

Lacking education or knowledge.
Showing or arising from a lack of education or knowledge.
Unaware or uninformed.

Thanks for the criticism. At this point, I have the benefit of 26 years of general and medical education and have learned from my patients over 25 years. I care for children, including many children with special needs. I appreciate all that I have gained from my 26 years of experience as a father of two, and am the dad of an autistic child. I, of course, have limits to my knowledge, and rely on the medical and general literature, colleagues, including medical and therapy specialists, and most importantly, the children in my practice and their parents to help me overcome the limits to my knowledge. I count Dr. Sears as a source of important guidance on many aspects of a sensitive approach to pediatric care. I think by most standards, I would not be judged ignorant. Some of what gets debated on this and other websites speaks to differences in values and how we handle things when professionals and parents must address issues where facts are limited, particularly from a scientific perspective. We move to change medical practices quicker when information on nutrition and alternative therapy is supported by research done with sound scientific design. This is starting to happen at the NIH in the section on Alternative and Complentary medicine. But doctors and parents often need to make decisions based on partial or incomplete science, or on not yet studied issues. You can help by insisting on better scientific evaluation of treatments by companies (or groups such as DAN!) promoting A and C treatments (the new un-regulated Pharma in our country, also profit driven). malerner / Marc Lerner
At April 5, 2008 1:32 PM , Dr. Bob Sears said...

Hey Marc. Thanks for the contributions. You are totally right that my alternative recommendations have not been tested, and we don't know if spreading out the chemicals is safer, and we don't know if spreading things out decreases side effects or autism (if vaccines even are related to autism at all).
But since I feel that common sense would dictate that spreading shots out MAY be a benefit, I want to act NOW. If I wait, and parents all over the country wait, for the NIH and CDC to prove thru research that these precautions are helpful, you are talking 10 to 20 years from now. Parents TODAY don't want to wait.

You mention that spreading out the shots increases disease risk and leaves kids susceptible too long, BUT I would ask to you study my schedule again - you will notice I do vax for the most serious and prevelent diseases right away. The shots that I do delay are only ones that are low risk to infants or a low risk to public health during infancy. Leaving babies unvaxed for polio, for example, BUT then vaxing then beginning at 9 months, doesn't risk public health.

Thanks for the reference to DAN!. I've been a DAN doctor for 6 years now and have liked what I'm seeing. I really appreciate your sightful (and non-ignorant) contributions here. Your points are well-taken (by me anyway) and we agree to disagree in some areas of course. But thanks.
And hey, I would love to hear your thoughts on my 9 page discussion on aluminum in the book. That may perk your interest.
Dr. Bob
At April 9, 2008 10:52 AM , Anonymous said...

I have just visited a new pediatrician due to a recent move. My daughter who just turned 9 months was due for some shots. I made mention that I would like to hold off on the MMR shot that would be due at 12 months, until we (my husband and I) can make an informed decision about what we should do, based on the ongoing controversy. I was told by the new pediatrician that if my daughter was not vaccinated by 15 months with the MMR shot that she could no longer be a patient. They would not want to risk her infecting and possibly killing any infant children (pretty harsh words in my opinion). The nurse practitioner also mentioned that I needed to do more research before I denied vaccines to my daughter and less Jenny McCarthy research. I was stunned !! First, this woman insulted my judgement as a parent and then my intelligence. I have been researching autism since I was 8 weeks pregnant. I spent a lot of time reading everything I could get my hands on. I've re-read some things on Dr. Bob's site and also various autism sites (including nih & cdc). I understand that there are parents that are in fear for their vaccinated children (but aren't they protected ??) -- I feel as though I'm being bullied and backed into a corner on this... and feel as though before choosing another pediatrician (which I plan on doing) that I need to find out their vaccination policy prior to setting up an appointment. This isnt easy I dont think for anyone who has to make this decision.
At April 15, 2008 10:55 AM , anne said...

Wow! Find a different pediatrician right away!!

I have learned to read everything I can, from various sources and different perspectives, and then to TRUST MY INSTINCTS as a mom. Never let your Dr bully or insult you. Find a Dr that will be a partner with you in your child's care.

I am certain that vaccines played a role with my son, as he showed signs of autism by age 2. He has gotten early alternative therapies (nutrition, supplements, eyelight therapy) and exhibits no symptoms. However, I am much more wary now, and have declined/delayed vaccines with my youngest daughters.

Dr Sears, I appreciate your gracious responses to criticism. You're right, I can't wait for more research to be done. I need information and options NOW. I've been searching everywhere for an alternative schedule. Thank you!
At April 15, 2008 3:53 PM , Anonymous said...

Every parent should understand that they have the responsibility to provide their babies proper nutrition and health by boosting their immune system. Inoculations are known to cause immunosuppression and immune paralysis. Don't you see why are so many of our highly vaccinated children so sick? Because their immune systems are being corrupted and damaged. Educate and investigate before you vaccinate.
At April 15, 2008 11:39 PM , Anonymous said...

The American Academy of Pediatrics does not support coercive actions by doctors to 'force' parents into routine vaccinations. I appreciate your wish to change providers in such circumstances. If you are interested, you may review the AAP policy on "Responding to Parental Refusals of Immunization of Children" at: http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/pediatrics;115/5/1428.pdf Marc Lerner, Pediatrician
At April 15, 2008 11:52 PM , Anonymous said...

Re: "inoculations cause immunosuppression and immune paralysis"... There is good scientific evidence to the contrary. From pediatric scientists at the Children's Hospital in Pennsylvania .....
Q: Do vaccines weaken the immune system?
A: Vaccinated children are not at greater risk of other infections (infections not prevented by the vaccines) than unvaccinated children. On the contrary, in Germany, a study of 496 vaccinated and unvaccinated children found that children who received immunizations against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and polio within the first three months of life had fewer infections with vaccine-related and unrelated pathogens than the non-vaccinated group.

Bacterial and viral infections, on the other hand, often predispose children and adults to severe, invasive infections with other pathogens. For example, children with pneumococcal pneumonia are more likely to have had a recent influenza infection than other children. Similarly, varicella infection increases susceptibility to the 'flesh-eating bacteria (i.e., group A strep).

References
Black SB, Cherry JD, Shinefield HR, et al. Apparent decreased risk of invasive bacterial disease after heterologous childhood immunization. Am J Dis Child 1991;145:746-749.

Davidson M, Letson W, Ward JI, et al. DTP immunization and susceptibility to infectious diseases. Is there a relationship? Am J Dis Child 1991;145:750-754.

Otto S, Mahner B, Kadow I, et al. General non-specific morbidity is reduced after vaccination within the third month of life � the Greifswald study. J Infect 2000;41:172-175.

Storsaeter J, Olin P, Renemar B, et al. Mortality and morbidity from invasive bacterial infections during a clinical trial of acellular pertussis vaccines in Sweden. Pediatr Infect Dis J 1988;7:637-645.

(http://www.chop.edu/consumer/jsp/division/generic.jsp?id=75743#Do_vaccines_weaken)
Response Offered by Dr. Lerner
At April 17, 2008 7:13 PM , Anonymous said...

Re:From pediatric scientists at the Children's Hospital in Pennsylvania .....
That study has no bearing at all since it only involves the first three months of life. I understand the reason you made that point since vaccine manufacturers never really had any long-term clinical trials. Makes sense, doesn't it? We're not going to wait until 48 doses of 14 vaccines are all inoculated in a child's system before age 6 to see disastrous effects, would we?
At April 21, 2008 4:13 PM , Anonymous said...

anonymous said, Until you people go through hell and back for a child, only to vaccinate a child, as a pediatric nurse would, and then see changes in him will you understand. We are putting injecting chemicals into infants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why else would the rate of autism be soaring at the rate it is!!!!!! Every time there are new vaccines or more of them in a shorter period of time the rise of autism goes up. There is no such thing as a genetic epidemic!!!!!!!! Were all of all of the kids from when I grew up with autism? We maybe had 7 special education kids in the whole class. Check put the vaccine schedule from 1970 till now. Thank god I'm not a new parent. Trust me, its from the f'ing VACCINES, there is formaldehyde in them.