The Trouble with Vaccinations

Debating Thimerosal, Mercury, Viral Mutations, & Immune Suppression

Apr 1, 2008

Vaccinations and Hypodermic Needle, Mary K. Baird

The recent Hannah Poling autism case has drawn attention to the continuing debate on vaccines. Are they effective or potentially toxic? Do immunizations work?

Vaccinations have long been a source of debate between medical experts and alternative health professionals. Immunizations are recommended for travel to certain countries, some work and volunteer opportunities, and as a preventative measure for certain demographics (e.g. HPV to young women, the flu vaccine to the elderly). Yet many claim that vaccines are not safe, don't always work, and should be treated as a hazard to health and to the immune system.

There are three main arguments against widespread vaccination:

Mercury and Thimerosal in Vaccines Are Toxic

The most common concern about vaccines is the toxicity factor of thimerosal, a mercury compound used as a preservative in many immunizations, as well as other chemicals added to vaccines before injection.

Many people report violent allergic reactions, pain, dizziness, nausea, fever, and other reactions after having vaccinations administered.

Thimerosal is an antiseptic and antifungal agent, and has been linked by holistic experts to autism – with a great deal of controversy over the past several years. The recent ruling in Hannah Poling's favor – in which the U.S. Court of Federal Claims agreed that vaccines were a factor in her development of autism at a year and a half old - can only fan the flames higher against thimerosal.

Do Vaccines Work?

Doctors and other professionals have long debated the efficacy of certain vaccines.

The flu shot, for instance, is said to be almost useless because the flu virus is so widespread and mutates so quickly; by the time a vaccine has been prepared and administered, the virus that is out in the population has already changed so much that it will probably be immune.

Veterinarians often recommend avoiding certain vaccines (such as feline leukemia) which are not very effective.

The Risk to the Immune System

A final consideration in cautioning against vaccines is their impact on the immune system, particularly for those who are weak, sick, or very young. Some doctors and veterinarians caution against administering vaccines too early, when they can hinder the natural development of a baby's immunity.

The danger is not only the toxic effect of the thimerosal and other preservatives: the idea of injecting even dead or weakened viruses into an infant's system gives some doctors pause, since it does not allow natural immunity to these viruses to form, but takes over the role that the immune system can often handle for itself.

For all of these reasons, some parents may choose to be conscientious objectors and avoid giving vaccinations to their children.