Science, Not Fear: The Anti-Vaccine Movement | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Science, Not Fear: The Anti-Vaccine Movement

When science and fear clash, which one will come out on top?

13
Science, Not Fear: The Anti-Vaccine Movement
PBS

Plug your ears and stick your tongues out, ladies and gentlemen. Today the topic is vaccines and the anti-vaxxers (people who support the anti-vaccine movement) are not going to be happy about the facts I’m going to lay out. Now, these facts are going to be coming from real, credible studies and not some Internet guru that went to Homeopathy University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in herbal medicine, so he puts a doctor in front of his name on Facebook. These are real doctors and real scientists from accredited schools like Harvard, Princeton and Berkeley. Have I already offended you? Then you might not want to keep reading…

First off, you know it’s bad when the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has to have a link on their website that says: “Should I believe what I read on the Internet?” That link then leads you to more links which give you awesome, credible information from awesome, credible sources. The information from the World Health Organization should be credible, no? What about “The American Academy of Pediatrics? I’d say they should know their stuff pretty well. Actor and Academy Award winner Robert DeNiro? NO. NO. NO. He is an actor, not a doctor. Remember people, there is a healthy difference between a certified, Harvard graduated doctor and a Hollywood actor. Do not let fame fool you. Instead of listening to Mr. DeNiro, here are some real studies done on vaccines and autism.

In 2011, the Institute of Medicine conducted a study coming to the conclusion that “…convincingly supports no causal relationship…” between vaccines and autism (I’ll include links of these studies to the bottom of this page, have a look for yourself if you don’t believe me). Since 2003, the CDC has conducted nine studies and found nothing to connect vaccines and autism. Where did this “vaccines cause autism” rumor start? A Mr. Andrew Wakefield and a fraudulent study are to blame. The journal that had originally published Mr. Wakefield’s work retracted it after having tried to duplicate it many, many times saying “…it was utterly clear, without any ambiguity at all, that the statements in the paper were utterly false.” Notice how I never called him Dr. Wakefield? It’s because the General Medical Council in the U.K. retracted his medical license. If you still believe him after that, stop reading, because nothing else could possibly change your mind.

My next point kind of comes to this. Even if in some possible way vaccines can cause autism, is autism worse than death? There are so many diseases that can kill your child that we have pretty much eliminated until the ignorant anti-vaccine movement. Herd immunity no longer exists due to so many unvaccinated children and I have seen horrendous things on the internet being said by anti-vaxxers regarding autistic children. As the great Temple Grandin once said (if you don’t know her, look her up), “Different, not less.” Autism is nowhere near a death sentence, but being unvaccinated is almost a death sentence. The inability to see science instead of fear mongering lies is something that today’s society has been conditioned to. Starting to kill the anti-vaccine movement can only improve society. So, choose science over fear today, and vaccinate.



http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism.h...

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

How The Holidays Have Changed

It all started when we learned the truth about Santa.

1211
best wishes for Christmas
Pinterest

It is no secret that many American traditions have changed over time. As we grow older we change in so many ways that it only makes sense that we also change the way we celebrate special occasions. Of course when it comes to the holidays there are some family traditions that many of us still excitedly look forward to, whether it is eating your favorite dish or seeing favorite cousin. However, we all know that the holidays have overall changed a little from what they used to be.

Keep Reading...Show less
theatre cast

Everyone who has done musicals knows that once you go there you can never go back. It's like a virus. It never leaves and you find yourself attracted to all types of theater things. You're drawn to it like a moth to a flame. There are certain things you know to be true, whether you did a musical once or have done them your entire life.

Keep Reading...Show less
couple winter
Pexels

When you come home over Christmas break, it's hard to find fun in your hometown. During the winter, it's hard to find the motivation to go out and find things to do. However, there are plenty of fun things to do in almost any town, and there are tons of fun date ideas that aren't taken advantage of. Here are nine fun winter dates to go on.

Keep Reading...Show less
Christmas Socks  Fireplace
Wesley Tingey

Christmas is arguably one of the most popular holidays of the year. Whether you think Christmas celebrations should be strictly reserved for December, or you're setting up your tree and lights on November 1st, Christmas time is the best time. Filling an entire month with Christmas activities seems like it could be impossible, but I am here to fix that for you. Here are twenty-five of the best things to do in the twenty-five days leading up to Christmas.

Keep Reading...Show less
smiling girl in pink and white stripe shirt

I'll never forget the day that someone told me these words: "Madison, I think you're a good friend to everyone but yourself." I stood there completely in awe of that statement. Before that day, I never really thought about being a friend to myself, and at the time, I didn't really know what it meant. Now, I realize that you can't fully be there for other people unless you're there for yourself, too. You can't show up for others until you're willing to show up for yourself.

Here are five things everyone should learn in order to be a better friend to themselves. These steps are hard, but they're so worth it.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments