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DISPELLING VACCINATION MYTHS
An introduction to the contradictions between medical science and immunization policy
c by Alan Phillips (alan_phillips@unc.edu)
Last Revision: February 1997
INTRODUCTION
Is there a legitimate controversy?
When my son began his routine vaccination series at age 2 months, I did not know there
were any risks associated with immunizations. But the clinic's literature contained a
contradiction: the chances of a serious adverse reaction to the DPT vaccine were 1 in
1750, while his chances of dying from pertussis each year were 1 in several million. When
I pointed this out to the physician, he angrily disagreed, and stormed out of the room
mumbling, "I guess I should read that sometime..." Soon thereafter I learned of
a child who had been permanently disabled by a vaccine, so I decided to investigate for
myself. My findings have so alarmed me that I feel compelled to share them; hence, this
report.
Health authorities credit vaccines for disease declines, and assure us of their safety
and effectiveness. Yet these seemingly rock-solid assumptions are directly contradicted by
health statistics, medical studies, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for
Disease Control (CDC) reports, and reputable research scientists from around the world. In
fact, infectious diseases declined steadily for decades prior to vaccinations, U.S.
doctors report thousands of serious vaccine reactions each year including hundreds of
deaths and permanent disabilities, fully vaccinated populations have experienced
epidemics, and researchers attribute dozens of chronic immunological and neurological
conditions to mass immunization programs.
There are hundreds of published medical studies documenting vaccine failure and adverse
effects, and dozens of books written by doctors, researchers, and independent
investigators that reveal serious flaws in immunization theory and practice. Ironically,
most pediatricians and parents are completely unaware of these findings. However, this has
begun to change in recent years, as a growing number of parents and healthcare providers
around the world are becoming aware of the problems and starting to question the use of
widespread, mandatory vaccinations.
My point it not to tell anyone whether or not to vaccinate, but rather, with the utmost
urgency, to point out some very good reasons why everyone should examine the facts before
deciding whether or not to submit to the procedure. As a new parent, I was shocked to
discover the absence of a legal mandate or professional ethic requiring pediatricians to
be fully informed, and to see first-hand the prevalence of physicians who are applying
practices based on incomplete--and in some cases, outright misinformation.
Though only a brief introduction, this report contains sufficient evidence to warrant
further investigation by all concerned, which I highly recommend. You will find that this
is the only way to get an objective view, as the controversy is a highly emotional one.
A note of caution: Be careful trying to discuss this subject with a pediatrician. Most
have staked their identities and reputations on the presumed safety and effectiveness of
vaccines, and thus have difficulty acknowledging evidence to the contrary. The first
pediatrician I attempted to share my findings with yelled angrily at me when I calmly
brought up the subject. The misconceptions have very deep roots.
MYTH #1: "Vaccines are completely safe..."
MYTH #2: "Vaccines are very effective..."
MYTH #3: "Vaccines are the main reason for low disease rates
in the U.S. today..."
MYTH #4: "Vaccination is based on sound immunization theory
and practice..."
MYTH #5: "Childhood diseases are extremely
dangerous..."
MYTH #6: "Polio was one of the clearly great vaccination
success stories..."
MYTH #7: "My child had no short-term reaction to
vaccination, so there is nothing to worry about..."
MYTH #8: "Vaccines are the only disease prevention option
available..."
MYTH #9: "Vaccinations are legally mandated, and thus
unavoidable..."
MYTH #10: "Public health officials always place health above
all other concerns..."
SUMMARY and About the Author...
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