Should you reject childhood vaccines?

There is a dangerous trend across the nation — increasing numbers of Americans are rejecting vaccines. These “refusers” claim that vaccinations lead to serious adverse events. Specifically, some of these “refusers” say that Guillain-barré syndrome is caused by vaccines. However, scientific research disputes this assertion.

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases examined patients who had a diagnosis of Guillainbarré syndrome and the likelihood that the Guillain-barré syndrome was associated to any vaccination. Data from the entire Kaiser Permanente Northern California population was studied. Medical researchers assessed all vaccinated individuals and Guillain-barré syndrome diagnoses over an 11-year period. They compared the odds of vaccination to onset of Guillain-barré syndrome with the odds of vaccination during the same time intervals in all vaccinated individuals in the entire Kaiser Permanente Northern California population. This research team found no evidence of an increased risk of Guillain-barré syndrome following vaccinations of any kind, including influenza vaccination. These results are consistent with several previous research studies.

Research dispels one of the commonly held beliefs among vaccinerefusing people that vaccines cause more harm than good. Immunization has been credited with the eradication or control of smallpox, polio, diphtheria, measles, mumps and rubella. Now patients are no longer worried about the diseases themselves. They’re more worried about vaccine safety. Immunizations have become a victim of their own success.

Side Bar. Mayo Clinic’s description of Guillain-barre syndrome: Guillain-barre syndrome is a disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks your nerves. Weakness and tingling in your extremities are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing your whole body. In its most severe form, Guillain-barre syndrome is a medical emergency requiring hospitalization. The exact cause of Guillainbarre syndrome is unknown, but it is often preceded by an infectious illness such as a respiratory infection or the stomach flu. There’s no known cure for Guillain-barre syndrome, but several treatments can ease symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness. Most people recover from Guillainbarre syndrome, though some may experience lingering effects from it, such as weakness, numbness or fatigue. Dr. Tom Honka is a chiropractor specializing in the non-surgical treatment of spinal conditions. His clinic is located in Porterville. Call 781-2222 for more information.