Despite modern controversy regarding vaccinations, it’s important to remember the reasons why they are needed. To avoid chronic diseases such as diphtheria, smallpox, polio, and many others, vaccines play a huge role. 

However, many individuals claim that they can cause more harm than good. Cases ranging from autoimmune disorders to  autism have surfaced and deterred many parents from vaccinating their children. There is a fine line between fact and opinion. The intention is to provide the wisdom to know the difference.

Diseases Prevented from Vaccines: 

There are many charts that compare the ratio between diseases that existed before vaccines, and how many cases have been reported after. Here is an example:

Early 1900’s

•  Smallpox: 30,000
• Measles: 530,217
• Diphtheria: 21,053
• Hepatitis A: 117,333
• Hepatitis B: 66,232
• Polio: 16,313
• Pertussis: 200,752
• Rubella: 47,745
• Mumps: 162,344
• Pneumococcus: 63,067

2016

• Smallpox: 0
• Measles: 85
• Diphtheria:0
• Hepatitis A: 1,222
• Hepatitis B: 2,040
• Polio: 0
• Pertussis: 10,585
• Rubella: 1
• Mumps: 2,065
• Pneumococcal: 11,553

As you can see, the amount if fatal illness has significantly decreased since vaccines have been put to into practice. It is almost astronomical. 

Defying the Facts

Despite the overwhelming amount of evidence showing vaccines in a positive light, others don’t see it that way. There has been much debate on whether or not there is a link between vaccines and autism. Although, there is no scientific evidence to the support the theory, parents from all around the nation have protested vaccinating their kids for fear of brain damage. 

The Autism Epidemic

Theres is no denying that once, in our world’s past, it was considered a rare disability.  Now, it is more common than Down syndrome and child cancer. Baffling doctors and psychologist, this disorder is has gone from 1 in every 2,500 children, to 1 in every 53. 1 in every 42 are boys. 

So what is the link causing the the autism epidemic?

The Autism & Vaccination Link: Fact or Fiction?

Many parents report watching their perfectly normal healthy child lose social skills such as fine motor,  bladder control, and Verbalization skills after their child received vaccinations. Children have experienced high fever and seizures after being vaccinated.  It is believed to be the root cause of the autism epidemic. It has been reported that some children have been more socially withdrawn, irritable, and unable to develop the learning skills needed to be functional.

The Link Between Autism and Vaccines

Late-onset autism is believed to be the result of vaccinations since it cannot be related to genetic malfunction.  The ingredient Thimerosal has been closely studied in suspicion with autism. Thimerosal is a mercury-based ingredient found in most vaccination drugs. 

However, over nine CDC conducted studies have shown there is absolutely no link between the preservative and autism. In fact, a CDC study conducted a study in 2013 that showed that the same amount of antigens in ASD children after vaccinations were the same as children without ASD.  An antigen is the substance triggered in vaccines to build immune disease fighting antibodies. There is no scientific link between autism and Vaccines. 

More Reasonable Explanations for the Autism Epidemic:

Late child birth:

There are many factors that can play into the autism epidemic. One that is important to take into account is how many women are having children at a later date than they did back in the 1940’s and 1950’s. After women’s liberation, more women decided to go back to work instead of following traditional societal rules. 

Because of these societal changes, women became more dependant on their work and are unable to spend as much time at home. Due to this societal change, women started putting their careers before marriage and starting families. Due to the financial burden no longer solely on the men, women prefered to wait til they were more financially secure before planning a family. 

After the age of 35, women’s fertility rate decreases due to the body preparing for menopause. This also increases the the chance of C section since the birth canal cannot contract as well. This detrimentally increases the chance of autism, down syndrome, and other birth defects in children. Because women are choosing to deliver children later in life, it attributes to the autism epidemic with far more evidence then Vaccinations.

Relaxed Criteria:

Over the years, the criteria needed to diagnose a child with autism has changed. Because a person with asphergers is considered a high functioning autistic, the diagnosis of autism is a much broader bridge. 

 Psychologist in the 1950’s categorized autism as 6 symptoms. A person would have to match all of the symptoms in order to be considered autistic. In the 1980’s the criteria changed to 8 out of 16 symptoms. Because autism is now seen as a spectrum rather than a concrete disorder, it leaves more room for people to fall into that criteria. In addition, it also leaves more room for error and misdiagnosis. 

The Change in the Definition of Autism:

 There is no debate that the definition of autism have evolved since it was first introduced in 1945. The term use to describe children who were antisocial and withdrawn. Now it could properly describe anyone who has learning disabilities or social awkwardness. That also contributes to the autism epidemic because more people are being diagnosed with minor disabilities that barely meet the criteria. They are just simply classified as high functioning autistics. 

The Bottom Line:

At the end of the day, parents just want to keep their children safe and healthy.  Whether or not you believe vaccines are good or bad, we all have the same common goal. If you want to ensure your child’s safety, it is best to have them vaccinated to prevent chronic diseases and illness. 

The proof is in the pudding. The amount of diseases that have decreased since vaccines are astronomical compared to today. The amount of risk you are putting your child through by not getting vaccinated is not worth it.