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DEL.ICIO.USPresidential candidates challenged to investigate immunizations
Mother challenges next president to weigh into vaccine controversy and order safety evaluations.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve been trying to read more about immunizations and autism, and I ran across this Web site called the “Age of Autism - The Daily Newspaper of the Autism Epidemic.” If you weren’t worried about vaccines before, you will be after reading this site.
One of the articles that interested me the most was a petition from a mother requesting other moms to write into the candidates demanding that as president they begin investigating vaccine safety.
Rebecca Estepp, a mother of two whose oldest son has autism, has sent a DVD to the presidential candidates (including Hillary Clinton when she was still running) requesting the following:
“Candidates: The first Executive Order I would like you to consider is within the first 100 days of taking office, would you issue an Executive Order requiring the removal of MERCURY from all vaccines by January 1, 2010?”
“Mercury is STILL present in 94% of all flu vaccines. In fact, the amount of mercury present in one dose of flu vaccine exceeds EPA safety standards for human exposure for anyone who weighs less than 500 pounds. Mercury is a known neurotoxin and a toxin to the developing immune system. There is absolutely no reason to purposely inject mercury into our babies, much less into pregnant women and their fetuses.”
“With the tremendous talent, ability and resources available to the pharmaceutical Industry, they can comply with this order by producing vaccines in single dose vials. Government agencies charged with vaccine safety recommended that mercury be removed from children’s vaccines back In 1999. The recommendation to err on the side of caution has not been followed by industry, or enforced by those agencies.”
“In 2004, both candidates supported the removal of mercury from all vaccines while on the campaign trail. Unfortunately no action has been taken to date. I am asking the next Commander In Chief to please issue this order.”
“For the second Executive Order, Candidates: Within 100 days of taking office, would you issue an Order requiring a Moratorium on the addition of new vaccines to the recommended list for children, until the current vaccine schedule can be proven safe?”
“In 2008, children who follow the recommended vaccine schedule receive 48 doses of 14 vaccines by age 6 - more than twice the number of doses of vaccines that children got in 1983, when they received 23 doses of 7 vaccines. While it is unclear exactly what role this increase in the number of doses has played with regard to the health of American children, it is clear that new vaccines are not held to the same safety and testing standards that new drugs are.”
”It is also clear, as the CDC has recently admitted, that simultaneous vaccination is incompletely studied at time of licensure. Even though kids get multiple doses of vaccines in their doctor’s offices everyday.To ensure that the vaccines American children receive are as safe as possible, the next generation of children will need strong leadership from the next President who oversees the agencies that approve vaccines.”
”Public confidence in vaccine safety is essential for compliance. More and more parents are refusing or delaying vaccines out of a legitimate concern for safety as the number of sick children has risen along with the number of vaccines. Vaccination is a medical procedure that manipulates the immune system and alters the human body, not just a rite of passage . I am asking that they simply be held to the same rigorous testing standards as other drugs.”
“Issuing an Executive Order to stop adding more vaccines to the schedule until safety can be determined through those standards will be a step towards restoring public confidence and allow us to move forward ensuring that children are both protected from diseases and reducing the possibility of adverse reactions. …”;
“To all American citizens concerned with vaccine safety, I encourage you to send a link to this video request for these questions out through your email. My husband and thousands of other dedicated soldiers are fighting around the world to preserve our freedom of speech to let our leaders know when we see a need for change to improve the quality of life for American citizens. Children deserve to be protected from diseases that could harm or kill them. But we need to be sure that in our efforts to prevent disease, we haven’t created life long disabilities. Thank you.
info@mccain08hq.com
info@barackobama.com”
What do you think of this mother’s request? Do you think the next president should get involved with vaccine safety? Do you think the shot schedule should be re-evaluated at the least?
Permalink | Comments (25) | Post your comment | Categories: Health
Comments
By lucky
June 18, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
There was a book written about the DPT shots called “Dissatisfied Parents Together”. My son is mentioned in that book after a bad reaction to his DPT shot at 5 years old, but we are more fortunate than most because he was not as severely damaged as most. He was hospitalized, hallucinating off and on for several days. He saw people that did not exist and did not recognize me at times. What is outrageous is that this occurred in 1974, and the DPT vaccines have not been improved in over 40 years. I insist that my grandchildren’s vaccines are delivered fresh to the pharmacy without preservatives and then they are picked up and taken to the pediatrician for administration. We are on a tear to provide them toys without lead from safe sources, and making our own - dollhouse and furniture for instance. I worry constantly about the food I am feeding my pets after I lost two cats. Thank you China and our sorry FDA. Insofar as our food, I only buy products that actually say made in the USA. For instance, Hershey’s is made in Mexico and the little that has been inspected was found to have bacteria and insect parts. I only buy Belgium and/or Swiss chocolate because their countries monitor better.
Our presidential candidates, both of them, are corrupt and beholding to corporate control for greed and profit. Don’t expect them to help you if it is not in the interest of big corporations. You must take care of your children’s best interests yourself. Unfortunately.
By Jesse's Girl
June 18, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Well crap….now Hershey’s is bad? I guess I should be more attentive to where choc is produced. Sh**….
By Thor
June 18, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
The next President of the United States will face more serious problems than anyone has in the last 50 years. America is in serious trouble.
If “vaccines” are your hot button issue, don’t vote because there are more pressing challenges and threats facing America today than that.
By FCM
June 18, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Thor is correct their are a plethora of issues to choose from. However, I think that vaccines are certainly among those that should be looked at by Congress not by the next President. Bombard your reps on the issue.
I would say lets look at it from a state level but Perdue won’t listen. He will probably reject the idea of school starting later instead of the first week of August (yesterday’s blog on Get Schooled).
As to the flu vaccine…if you oppose the mercury don’t get the shot. We do not get the vaccine in our house. Yes, I and the children have suffered the flu 2 times in 8 years…I will take those odds and I am not a betting person.
By Sandy_G
June 18, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Oh geez, Here we go again with the thimerasol myth. The preservative that was formerly used in many vaccines is no longer used in most childhood or adult vaccines except for the flu vaccine and there is a thimerosal-free version of that vaccine available.
For more factual information about this issue, click here http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/thimerosal.htm
All people alive today have some level of mercury in their bodies. There are two types of mercury, Methyl Mercury comes from eating fish or living in an area impacted by emissions from coal plants. Methyl mercury is the type of mercury that can accumulate in the body and can be passed from mother to child in breast milk.
Ethyl mercury (the type which can enter the body through vaccines) does not accumulate in the body nearly as well and studies have found that it is generally excreted by the body within 30 days after a vaccine.
Methyl mercury (the type you get from eating fish) has been shown to cause damage to the brain and neurological system. Ethyl mercury has not been connected to this type of damage in scientific studies.
What is known, is that scientists have identified a gene marker for Autism, so there is most definitely a genetic component to the syndrome and in countries where Thimerasol was eliminated entirely from vaccines over 10 years ago, autism rates have not dropped, but have risen at the same rate as autism rates in the U.S. NO SCIENTIFIC STUDY HAS EVER FOUND A CAUSAL LINK BETWEEN VACCINES AND AUTISM
The fact is that yes, some children have bad reactions to vaccines, and this continues to happen even in vaccines that have never contained Thimerasol. The fact is that the first symptoms of Autism begin to become apparent at the age that children are receiving vaccines. The fact is that doctors have recently identified differences in the brain activity of autistic children that is recognizable at birth, long before vaccines are administered. The fact is, that 20 years ago, a lot of the autism-spectrum disorders were not in existence because they had not been classified as autism.
My own brother, who we are convinced, has Asperger’s Syndrome, went through elementary, middle and high school with doctors and teachers telling us there was no such thing as being “mildly autistic”, you either were or your weren’t autistic and there were no different levels or types of autism. Now that has all changed and children (like my brother) who 20 years ago would have been classified as “slow” or “developmentally delayed” are now being called autistic. This is part of the reason that some people think autism is “epidemic”.
The spreading of this misinformation needs to stop. People are not vaccinating their children for things like polio or smallpox because they have been scared by this sensationalistic, baloney put out there by people who don’t have all of the facts and a lot of whom, stand to profit handsomely from lawsuits if their claims are accepted.
No one has all of the answers to what causes autism, but I can tell what does not cause it and that’s vaccinating your child.
By DDT
June 18, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Most medical treatments require informed consent - real informed consent where you are given advice about alternatives, given true statistics over the number of adverse reactions, and are given the choice of refusing the treatment without losing your doctor. Most medical treatments aren’t required for you to attend school as they are treated as personal decisions. Why are vaccines so darn different? Why does a panel with drug stocks get to tell you which vaccines to use on your children without informed consent? I’ve filed religious affidavits for my children and picked which vaccines to get based on the likelihood of getting the disease and the severity of the disease versus the likelihood of my child getting autism (more than 1 in 150). I’d rather my kid get the measles than get autism. This garbage will continue until parents become individually assertive in numbers by just resisting this through religious affidavits. Until then, the stupid parents’ children will become dumber.
By Jesse's Girl
June 18, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Yes, yes….I get it…vaccines can be hit or miss. But we have more pressing issues here ya’ll!!! Chocolate has been tainted! Seriously, I think we all know by now to ask questions…and then more..as good parents regarding anything having to do with our children.
By FCM
June 18, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
My children continue to get vaccinated (other than the flu one) just because other parents DON’T vaccinate theirs…if everyone stopped we would have Scarlett Fever, Measles, Mumps, Polio and a host of other horrible diseases running amok like they did 150 years ago…child mortality rates back then where terrible! Who would want that back?
By Sandy_G
June 18, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
I’d rather my kid get the measles than get autism.
So if your kid gets measles and passes that along to a pregnant woman, whose child is then born with severe birth defects, that’s okay?
The fact is that when you don’t vaccinate your child, you are making a decision for not only your child’s well-being, but also that of any other person that may come in contact with your child and may become infected as a result.
By FCM
June 18, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
JG—I have some awesome chocolate cake from Cheesecake Factory in my fridge….I am with you….let’s skip the vaccine debate (which we have had several times and is still worth merit of discussion)….and talk/eat chocolate!
By Thor
June 18, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
I think Jesse’s Girl raising the right point, we need to get active on protecting Chocolate!
After all, I know when “Aunt Flo” comes to our house for a short stay, my safety from mood swings vitally depends on providing chocolate to my bride. If our chocolate supply is tainted, men will be assaulted, violated, hit, scratched, punched, kicked and yelled at or forced to watch “television for women” nonstop as we supply boxes of tissues to our wifes during their boo-hooing episodes.
Protecting the chocolate supply is vital; help save the man!
By Jesse's Girl
June 18, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Thor…as viscerally sexist and “punch-to-the-head worthy your comment was….you are so right:)
By JJ
June 18, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
OMG Chocolate - tainted? say it isn’t so……I can’t go on…..
Ya’ll are cracking me up today……
Sorry I have nothing else to offer……
By Theresa
June 18, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
I am still struggling with the vaccine issue — Lilina is scheduled for four on July 7 and I don’t know wht I am going to do and I guess that’s why I keep bringing it up — i think the presidential politics is interesting — i think it does need more study — this needs to be made clearer for parents - we need better information — the chocolate is very disconcerting — i have two bags in the cabinet - don’t think that will keep me away —
Did you guys read the twin story in the promo box —- what are your thoughts on that story???
By FCM
June 18, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
If I stay up to date on vaccines, vitamins, etc then I mitigate the risks for when I eat the tainted chocolate from Mexico, right? Yes, I am not rationalizing because giving up chocolate is not going to be an option.
Theresa go with your gut on Lilina’s shots. Talk with your doctor. Your a smart woman and a good mom, you’ll do what is right. (Before the men jump on me. Yes, Michael has a say in this matter as Lilina’s his too. I am assuming that Theresa has discussed this with him and that he will not be at the appointment to make the decision with her). What is right in some houses is not right in others as evidenced all the time here on the blog.
JJ—in answer to yesterdays question on my new employment. My start date is coming up. Right now just enjoying some summer fun with my children before we go back to the ‘normal’ routine. I have to admit that our current routine feels more ‘normal’ these days. However, I look forward to going back to work. I believe the kids will enjoy day camp with its fun activities. Though we all agreed this morning that its been fun having this time (after the stress of interviewing ended)and they will remember it forever.
By JJ
June 18, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
FCM I am so glad you have had this time to spend with your kids. They will definately remember this summer with Mom!!!!
I long to be a stay at home Mom, but with a 17 year old, it’s too late. So retirement is looking very good, but it won’t be for another, what, 20 years???????
By motherjanegoose
June 18, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
I have nothing to contribute on vaccines but FCM I am too wondering about a later school start…it was on the front page of the AJC today. Many states are swinging back to the after Labor start. I laughed my head off when a read this in the AJC a few years back…it is not verbatim:
we want to maintain an August school start in Georgia to be effective in raising out SAT scores. Children need to get back into the classroom and on track for learning.
HELLO…here is a novel idea:
check out the states who have the highest SAT scores in the country and it is amazing that you will find the majority of them go back much later than we do…many after Labor Day.
I am interested as to what other’s think!
By LJ
June 18, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Don’t ever get all your information, especially about controversial issues, from one place. Age of Autism occasionally has some good information. However, there is also a lot of misinformation and downright propaganda there too.
Theresa, as far as your daughter’s vaccines go, you guys have to do what you think is best for her. One important thing to consider is her potential exposure to the diseases she’s going to be vaccinated against, particularly if you plan to delay or skip some all together. Think about where you shop, the other kids that are around, places you may travel, etc, and how dangerous and life-altering those diseases could be. Many vaccine preventable diseases (measles, mumps and pertussis in particular) are still very much alive and well in the US. I know it’s a tough decision!
Most scientists think the issue is settled (based on the available data). However, there is a very vocal minority that feels otherwise. This is an issue I’ve been following closely, and and I have yet to hear a well-reasoned argument against vaccination that is supported by any legitimate scientific data, on Age of Autism or anywhere else.
By Theresa
June 18, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
hey MotherJane Goose —- Get SChooled has the school calendar topic up right now so you can check out their discussion (i’d put it up but can’t since get schooled already has it) — but everyone should check it out too
By JJ
June 18, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
MotherJane I checked out their blog, and it is amazing how many parents want their kids in school in August, because it’s too hot and they want them inside in air conditioning. HUH?
One poster even stated that his/her kids didn’t even want to be in a swimming pool in August, it is just too hot. No wonder we are such a pansy society……..
my .02 worth…….
By motherjanegoose
June 18, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Theresa…whew…that blog is like opening a can of worms! some of the posters are NUTS!
By Amy
June 18, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
I’ve been a lurker here for a couple of weeks so this is my first post!
It’s interesting that Theresa brings this up, as I’m currently reading Doctor Sears’ “The Vaccine Book” (which is very good and I highly recommend) and am debating about what to do with my child (I’m 6 mos pregnant). It’s a really complicated issue. I don’t feel that vaccines are completely safe and I do want more research to be done into them to see the effects that they have on the body long-term and short-term. I definitely plan on placing my child on a revised vaccine schedule so the baby doesn’t have to get all of that in his system when he or she is really little, and so I can spread the vaccines out so not as many chemicals are in his or her system all at once. I’m debating if I want to have my child not have some vaccines, though. I’m particularly nervous about the MMR shot and it’s long list of side-effects, but I feel it’s a part of my civic duty to get my child vaccinated, and I also worry that my child could potentially catch a disease if I didn’t, as well as spread it to others. It’s a tough topic.
As far as the letter above goes, very small amounts of mercury are currently in our regular vaccines. The flu vaccine is the only one that still has high levels of mercury (and some brands each year of it don’t have any mercury at all; it just depends on which brand you get). I never get that vaccine so I don’t personally care too much about it. I also think that’s not at the top of the list of priorities in regards to vaccines as this is an optional shot, and as it is really the only one left with significant mercury levels in it. However, I feel that at least people that get the shot should be asked to read and sign a waiver regarding the mercury levels until they can get removed, and be offered a non-mercury flu shot option if possible.
Regarding the moratorium on no new vaccines until the current ones can be proven safe….like FCM I agree that Congress should address this issue, not the President. I also disagree with the request. I would prefer to alter it so that studies are mandated on proving the safety of the current vaccines on the market, and that more in-depth studies be done on the short-term and long-term risks of them, period. However, this type of study is something that would take a long time, so in the meantime I feel that no new vaccines should be made mandatory and should just be optional, and also made to go through a more thorough safety testing process. It is ridiculous that our drugs have to go through so many tests to be proven safe, but our vaccines hardly have to go through any tests at all.
I would also like to see in the future some type of immune system and/or genetic testing done for infants before they receive vaccines. I do feel that autism and vaccines are linked, but not to the extent that some think. I think that it’s possible that a child is born with an autism gene and a slightly compromised immune system. Mix in some vaccines and it makes the situation much, much worse. I wish we could find a way to test for this before administering vaccines in the first place. That would solve a big part of the problem.
Anyway, something does need to be done to prove the safety of vaccines as the vaccine debate is exploding out of control and more and more children are not getting vaccinated, which leaves us all at risk.
By JJ
June 19, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this
Amy Welcome to our little blog family.
You have definately done your research.
I never had any qualms about my child and vaccines. We never had any problems. Luckily, I was blessed with an extremely healthy child. I am sure you will be too. Good luck, and keep us posted……
By Jen
June 20, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Amy—you just made me think of something. Right after a baby is born, doctors and nurses check the baby over and do some bloodwork. Could they also send some dna off to a lab to screen for the autism gene? That way, kids who have the gene can be on a different vaccine schedule. That might solve a huge part of the problem.
My doctor does not allow any vaccines to be used that have mercury. She says she feels safer this way, because kids get vaccinated and she doesn’t have to worry about whether there’s a link. It’s taken a load off my mind.
By J
June 20, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
Just don’t have kids…problem solved. The last shot I got was at 13 (forcefully being held down) and I haven’t had any since. I’m 28 and feelin’ great. Wooo hoo!