Anti-vaxers versus pro-vaxers. Passions run deep. Divisions are clear. In an increasingly segmented nation, it seems any type of debate turns nasty quickly. Of course the internet is ground-zero for venting anger and vilifying those with opposing opinions.
Many people believe that the anti-vaccination movement is new and a consequence of concerns about the large number of immunizations now given. But, vaccination concerns began shortly after the introduction of smallpox vaccination. And it started in England before it made its way to the United States.
Anti-vaccination activity also increased in the United States towards the end of the 19th century; widespread vaccination in the early part the century had contained smallpox outbreaks, and vaccination fell into disuse. However, in the 1870s the disease became epidemic owing to the susceptibility of the population. As states attempted to enforce existing vaccination laws or pass new ones, vigorous anti-vaccination movements arose.
Towards the end of the 20th century, a wave of activity from anti-vaxers led to an increase in media interest in the arguments attacking childhood immunizations.
There’s no proof that vaccines don’t cause autism.
One study from England did show a link between vaccines and autism.
There are lots of anecdotes about children developing autism after being vaccinated.
It’s nobody’s business whether my children get vaccinated.
Vaccines can “overload” a child’s immune system.
“Natural” immunity is better than the immunity that comes from vaccination.
Vaccination protects children from serious illness and complications of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, mumps, and whooping cough, are still a threat.
Though vaccination has led to a dramatic decline in the number of U.S. cases of several infectious diseases, some of these diseases are brought to the U.S. by international travelers.
Vaccination is safe and effective. All vaccines undergo long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and the federal government.
If children aren’t vaccinated, they can spread disease to other children who are too young to be vaccinated or to people with weakened immune systems.
Once again, this is a list that simply serves to outline pro-vaxers main arguments. The response of anti-vaxers to these arguments is not the purpose at hand.
The purported “link” between autism and vaccinations seems to receive the most media exposure. This may be due in part to Andrew Wakefield, who is considered by many to be the “father” of the anti-vaccine movements. To a small group of anti-vaxers, he’s a hero who refuses to back down from his assertion that the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines can cause autism.
From January 2 to May 21, 2016, 19 people were reported to have measles.
In 2015, 189 people were reported to have measles.
In 2014, the United States experienced a record number of measles cases, with 667 cases; this is the greatest number of cases since measles elimination was documented in the U.S. in 2000.
Measles is still common in many parts of the world.
It appears as if the anti-vaxers may slowly be succumbing to science.