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On a weekly basis,
over 50,000 children across America receive the DPT (diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus)
vaccine. According to some researchers, a portion of these children,
have been crippled, injured, and even killed by pertussis vaccine
reactions. Other diminished quality-of-life side effects include
medication-resistant convulsions, mental retardation, learning
disabilities, and hyperactivity.
The problems of known vaccine reactions range from headache and other
flu-like symptoms to seizures or serious complications. Researchers have
reported a possible link between the vaccine for Hepatitis B and
Multiple Sclerosis, a finding that has been hotly disputed by the makers
of the vaccine and some doctors. An article in the journal Lancet
concluded that there was a possible connection between the MMR
(mumps-measles-rubella) vaccine and autism.
The problem is compounded by the fact that vaccinations are required by
U.S. law. Parents who refuse to have their children immunized face
serious legal problems. Children who are not immunized may not be
allowed to attend public schools.
Unfortunately, most parents have no choice but to put their children at
risk of DPT reactions. Again, the potential for adverse vaccine
reactions are extremely low. However, the possibility does exist.
Gambling with your child’s well being should never be an option.
Medical professionals do not want to cause an unsubstantiated panic or
discourage a procedure of which they support as worthwhile. They are
reluctant to publish statistics about adverse reaction rates that are at
times suspect but not proven. Just as importantly, the statistics must
be documented for the long-term understanding of vaccinations and the
benefit of future generations being vaccinated.
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