Misplaced Pages

Anti-vaccinationist: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from[REDACTED] with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editNext edit →Content deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 18:36, 17 February 2006 editMidgley (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users7,008 edits →Arguments presented against vaccination: no citation of an anti-vaccinationist actaully making this argument. See on talk page← Previous edit Revision as of 20:22, 17 February 2006 edit undoLeifern (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users12,161 edits Oh, man, this article is even worse than I thoughtNext edit →
(One intermediate revision by the same user not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:
'''Anti-vaccinationists''' are those who oppose the practice of ]. '''Anti-vaccinationists''' are those who oppose the practice of ].


Ever since vaccination first came into widespread use in the late 18th century, groups have opposed the practice as a public health measure. These self-identified as ''anti-vaccinationists'' since ]. The anti-vaccinationist movement was its peak in the late 19th and early 20th century. No anti-vaccinationist organizations are known to exist since about 1960. Some individuals have tried to equate contemporary critics of vaccines with early anti-vaccinationists, but these critics generally reject this comparison. See also ].
The medical practice of vaccinating the populace has been opposed by a wide array of critics{{fact}} since vaccination first began to supersede ] in ]. As early as ], organized groups self-identifying as ''anti-vaccinationists'' since ] two years after vaccination began to supersede ] who lobbied against vaccination for reasons including religious, scientific, philosophical, aesthetic and health reasons. When the practice was made compulsory by the State opposition increased considerably. The ] community overwhelmingly supports vaccination.


Anti-vaccinationists opposed the practice of vaccinations because they believed the coercive nature of immunizatio programs was a violation of individual freedom; that vaccines were unsafe; and that the efficacy of vaccines was tenuous at best. The ] community overwhelmingly supports vaccination as an effective and safe means of preventing the spread and mortality of infectious illnesses; public health advocates overwhelmingly hold that the benefit to the public justifies mandatory programs.
⚫ == Timeline ==
Efforts by individuals and communities to avoid death by ]s have been recorded since at least the time of ], as have disagreements on the details of these efforts. Modern states assert an interest in and a right to control aspects of these efforts.


⚫ == Timeline ==
] ]
Vaccination became widespread in the ] in the early 1800s, after ] described and systematised this approach. Vaccination followed the centuries older treatment of ] which by 1840 was deemed less effective and more hazardous than vaccination, and banned. Public policy and successive ] first encouraged vaccination, then in 1853 made vaccination mandatory, punishable by a monetary fine and in 1867 a mandatory law provided for a prison sentence for those who refused vaccination. Following the work of ], vaccination became widespread in the ] in the early 1800s, following the older practice which was banned in 1840 as being less effective and more hazardous than vaccination. Public policy and successive ] first encouraged vaccination, then in 1853 made vaccination mandatory, the refusal of which was punishable by a fine and then in 1867 prison sentence{{fact}}.


Mandatory vaccination represented a significant change in the relationship between the British state and its citizens. This policy represented a significant change in the relationship between the British state and its citizens.


A prompt backlash occurred, initially focused on compulsion, which accrued arguments that the vaccine was dangerous or ineffective. Compulsion ceased after large-scale vaccination had been conducted and arguments on the latter grounds continued to be presented. The ] of ] had been accepted generally in the middle of the century, but one component of anti-vaccinationist argument rejected it, and this persists to 2006. A prompt backlash occurred, initially focused on the injustice of compulsion, followed by charges that vaccination was dangerous and/or ineffective.


In the United States, ] outbreaks were contained, by the latter half of the 19th century. Vaccination had been widespread in the early part of the century, and before that smallpox had been widespread. However, vaccination ceased following the reduction in smallpox cases, and in the 1870s the disease became ], demonstrating that the population had again become susceptible. In the United States, ] outbreaks were contained by the latter half of the 19th century, a development widely attributed to vaccination of a large portion of the population. When vaccinations were reduced following the reduction in smallpox cases, the disease became again epidemic in the 1870s{{fact}}.


Anti-vaccination activity also increased in the United States in the latter part of the 19th century. In 1879, after a visit to New York by ], the leading British anti-vaccinationist, the ] was founded. Subsequently, the ] was formed in 1882 followed by the ] in 1885. Anti-vaccination activity also increased in the United States in the latter part of the 19th century. In 1879, after a visit to New York by ], the leading British anti-vaccinationist, the ] was founded. Subsequently, the ] was formed in 1882 followed by the ] in 1885.
Line 22: Line 22:
===Arguments presented against vaccination=== ===Arguments presented against vaccination===


At first, arguments against compulsion gained considerable support. ] and churchmen offered various views of god's opinion with individual churchmen being quoted as against immunisation. At first, arguments against compulsion gained considerable support. ] and clergy invoked various theological arguments against vaccination{{fact}}.

Wolfe and Sharp (2002) argue that there are "uncanny" similarities the arguments of the 19th century vaccinationists and some 20th century vaccination critics<ref name="wolfesharp">Wolfe RM, Sharp LK. Anti-vaccinationists past and present. ''] 2002;325:430-2. . PMID 12193361</ref>


Wolfe and Sharp (2002) argue that between the 19th and 20th century, the arguments of anti-vaccinationists changed little. Their paper and others offer views regarded as partial.<ref name="wolfesharp">Wolfe RM, Sharp LK. Anti-vaccinationists past and present. ''] 2002;325:430-2. . PMID 12193361</ref> Criticism of established canons may have virtues but while anti-vaccinationists may have caused benefits, public health departments and almost every medical practitioner point to harm resulting from their activities in the 20th century. Anti-vaccinationists reply that large smallpox epidemics occurred in highly vaccinated populations and that 90% of the decline in infectious disease incidence occured before the application of specific vaccines. There continue to be differing opinions on the effects of vaccination as well as those of opposition to vaccination. Criticism of established canons may have virtues but while anti-vaccinationists may have caused benefits, public health departments and almost every medical practitioner point to harm resulting from their activities in the 20th century{{fact}}. Anti-vaccinationists reply that large smallpox epidemics occurred in highly vaccinated populations and that 90% of the decline in infectious disease incidence occured before the application of specific vaccines.


Safety concerns were another focus of the arguments. Even before Pasteur's work, there had been several clear assertions that contagions spread from person to person. Prior to the availability of microscopes, the nature of that contagion (]s) could not be elucidated. After that time, and as empirically demonstrated by ], ], and others, the knowledge that there were specific modes of cross-infection and that there were means to avoid them diffused through the population. If ]'s older and incorrect germ theory<!--to be going on with-->, provides no rationale for adequately cleaning or sterilising instruments. An overlap in those decades between anti-vaccinationist thinking and Bechampist might have contributed to deaths from infection and cross-infection, complictions almost absent from vaccinations in the 20th century developed countries. <!--Safety concerns were another focus of the arguments. Even before Pasteur's work, there had been several clear assertions that contagions spread from person to person. Prior to the availability of microscopes, the nature of that contagion (]s) could not be elucidated. After that time, and as empirically demonstrated by ], ], and others, the knowledge that there were specific modes of cross-infection and that there were means to avoid them diffused through the population. If ]'s older and incorrect germ theory<!--to be going on with-->, provides no rationale for adequately cleaning or sterilising instruments. An overlap in those decades between anti-vaccinationist thinking and Bechampist might have contributed to deaths from infection and cross-infection, complications almost absent from vaccinations in the 20th century developed countries. (How is this relevant?) --!>


== Events following reductions in vaccination == == Events following reductions in vaccination ==


In several countries since 1960 reductions in uptake of specific vaccines have been followed by measured increases in illness and deaths, which have then regressed following a rise in uptake. It has also happened that declining vaccine uptake paralleled declining disease incidence. The periodic nature of disease outbreaks has always challenged the scientific investigator and led the incautious astray. "In 1806 a Mr. Kraus was awarded $1000 by the then rulers of New York territory for his scientific discovery which had kept rabies out of New York for over twenty years. His formula is a matter of record and consisted of the ground-up jaw bone of an ass or dog, a piece of colt's tongue and the green rust off a penny of George the First reign." Page 185-186, Poisoned Needle by Eleanor McBean. In several countries since 1960 reductions in uptake of specific vaccines have been followed by measured increases in illness and deaths{{fact}}, which have then regressed following a rise in uptake{{fact}}. It has also happened that declining vaccine uptake paralleled declining disease incidence. The periodic nature of disease outbreaks has always challenged the scientific investigator and led the incautious astray{{fact}}. "In 1806 a Mr. Kraus was awarded $1000 by the then rulers of New York territory for his scientific discovery which had kept rabies out of New York for over twenty years. His formula is a matter of record and consisted of the ground-up jaw bone of an ass or dog, a piece of colt's tongue and the green rust off a penny of George the First reign." Page 185-186, Poisoned Needle by Eleanor McBean.


'''Herd effects''' It has been suggested that because the death and persisting illness rate in previously healthy children is low they need not be immunised. The argument is not presented alongside urging immunisation of those children with for instance heart disease or developmental abnormality, and even if it was, this leaves the most vulnerable children more exposed to infection from those least likely to die. '''Herd effects''' It has been suggested{{fact}} that because the death and persisting illness rate in previously healthy children is low they need not be immunised. The argument is not presented alongside urging immunisation of those children with for instance heart disease or developmental abnormality, and even if it was, this leaves the most vulnerable children more exposed to infection from those least likely to die{{fact}}.


In the absence of assertions that contracting infectious diseases is either a necessary part of development, or confers specific benefits apart from specific (to that disease) immunity it is commonly accepted that surveillance for infectious disease and isolation of individuals contracting an infectious disease are cornerstones of public health policy. In the 19th century the city of Leicester in the UK is reported to have achieved a high level of isolation of Smallpox cases and great reduction in spread compared to other areas. The mainstay of Leicester's approach to conquering smallpox was to decline vaccination and put their public funds into sanitary improvements. A component of current-day anti-vaccinationist argument is against the medical establishment. This renders those convinced more likely to avoid reporting illness and thus weakens the tracing and control of infection. An imported Measles case in Iowa is one illustration of the problem this might cause. In the absence of assertions that contracting infectious diseases is either a necessary part of development, or confers specific benefits apart from specific (to that disease) immunity it is commonly accepted that surveillance for infectious disease and isolation of individuals contracting an infectious disease are cornerstones of public health policy{{fact}}. In the 19th century the city of Leicester in the UK is reported to have achieved a high level of isolation of Smallpox cases and great reduction in spread compared to other areas. The mainstay of Leicester's approach to conquering smallpox was to decline vaccination and put their public funds into sanitary improvements{{fact}}. A component of current-day anti-vaccinationist argument is against the medical establishment. This renders those convinced more likely to avoid reporting illness and thus weakens the tracing and control of infection. An imported Measles case in Iowa is one illustration of the problem this might cause.


=== UK: DPT 1970s === === UK: DPT 1970s ===
In the 1970s a campaign against the use of the DPT immunisation "triple jab" arose. It was particularly notable in a newspaper, the ''Sunday Times'', Following this there was an increase in cases of ] (whooping cough). In the 1970s a campaign against the use of the DPT immunisation "triple jab" arose. It was particularly notable in a newspaper, the ''Sunday Times'', Following this there was an increase in cases of ] (whooping cough) {{fact}}.


A similar pattern has been seen in the 1990s with MMR. A similar pattern has been seen in the 1990s with MMR{{fact}}.


Recognisable anti-vaccinationist activity is one of the strands in a complex braid and to the extent to which it was effective, most doctors and governments regard resultant harm as belonging to it. Recognisable anti-vaccinationist activity is one of the strands in a complex braid and to the extent to which it was effective, most doctors and governments regard resultant harm as belonging to it{{fact}}.


=== Holland: Measles 1999-2000 === === Holland: Measles 1999-2000 ===
Line 55: Line 57:
* ] copying and reduplication. {{fact}} * ] copying and reduplication. {{fact}}
* Tendency to be without corrections, even when an initial report is shown to be false (e.g. Donnegan and Schreiber references below). See also ] * Tendency to be without corrections, even when an initial report is shown to be false (e.g. Donnegan and Schreiber references below). See also ]
* Deficiency of ] to allow readers, should they wish, to check sources. * Deficiency of ] to allow readers, should they wish, to check sources <!--You mean, like this article?--!>.
* Personal attacks on individual doctors. {{fact}} * Personal attacks on individual doctors. {{fact}}
* Repeated assertions consistent with an underlying assumption that the whole of medicine is aimed at doing harm. * Repeated assertions consistent with an underlying assumption that the whole of medicine is aimed at doing harm.
Line 287: Line 289:
{{Vaccines}} {{Vaccines}}


] ]</ref>

Revision as of 20:22, 17 February 2006

The neutrality of this article is disputed. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please do not remove this message until conditions to do so are met. (Learn how and when to remove this message)
This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. You can assist by editing it. (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Anti-vaccinationists are those who oppose the practice of vaccination.

Ever since vaccination first came into widespread use in the late 18th century, groups have opposed the practice as a public health measure. These self-identified as anti-vaccinationists since 1798. The anti-vaccinationist movement was its peak in the late 19th and early 20th century. No anti-vaccinationist organizations are known to exist since about 1960. Some individuals have tried to equate contemporary critics of vaccines with early anti-vaccinationists, but these critics generally reject this comparison. See also Vaccine controversy.

Anti-vaccinationists opposed the practice of vaccinations because they believed the coercive nature of immunizatio programs was a violation of individual freedom; that vaccines were unsafe; and that the efficacy of vaccines was tenuous at best. The medical community overwhelmingly supports vaccination as an effective and safe means of preventing the spread and mortality of infectious illnesses; public health advocates overwhelmingly hold that the benefit to the public justifies mandatory programs.

Timeline

Portrait of Jenner

Following the work of Edward Jenner, vaccination became widespread in the United Kingdom in the early 1800s, following the older practice which was banned in 1840 as being less effective and more hazardous than vaccination. Public policy and successive Vaccination Acts first encouraged vaccination, then in 1853 made vaccination mandatory, the refusal of which was punishable by a fine and then in 1867 prison sentence.

This policy represented a significant change in the relationship between the British state and its citizens.

A prompt backlash occurred, initially focused on the injustice of compulsion, followed by charges that vaccination was dangerous and/or ineffective.

In the United States, smallpox outbreaks were contained by the latter half of the 19th century, a development widely attributed to vaccination of a large portion of the population. When vaccinations were reduced following the reduction in smallpox cases, the disease became again epidemic in the 1870s.

Anti-vaccination activity also increased in the United States in the latter part of the 19th century. In 1879, after a visit to New York by William Tebb, the leading British anti-vaccinationist, the Anti-Vaccination Society of America was founded. Subsequently, the New England Anti-Compulsory Vaccination League was formed in 1882 followed by the Anti-Vaccination League of New York City in 1885.

Arguments presented against vaccination

At first, arguments against compulsion gained considerable support. Churches and clergy invoked various theological arguments against vaccination.

Wolfe and Sharp (2002) argue that there are "uncanny" similarities the arguments of the 19th century vaccinationists and some 20th century vaccination critics

There continue to be differing opinions on the effects of vaccination as well as those of opposition to vaccination. Criticism of established canons may have virtues but while anti-vaccinationists may have caused benefits, public health departments and almost every medical practitioner point to harm resulting from their activities in the 20th century. Anti-vaccinationists reply that large smallpox epidemics occurred in highly vaccinated populations and that 90% of the decline in infectious disease incidence occured before the application of specific vaccines.

, provides no rationale for adequately cleaning or sterilising instruments. An overlap in those decades between anti-vaccinationist thinking and Bechampist might have contributed to deaths from infection and cross-infection, complications almost absent from vaccinations in the 20th century developed countries. (How is this relevant?) --!>

Events following reductions in vaccination

In several countries since 1960 reductions in uptake of specific vaccines have been followed by measured increases in illness and deaths, which have then regressed following a rise in uptake. It has also happened that declining vaccine uptake paralleled declining disease incidence. The periodic nature of disease outbreaks has always challenged the scientific investigator and led the incautious astray. "In 1806 a Mr. Kraus was awarded $1000 by the then rulers of New York territory for his scientific discovery which had kept rabies out of New York for over twenty years. His formula is a matter of record and consisted of the ground-up jaw bone of an ass or dog, a piece of colt's tongue and the green rust off a penny of George the First reign." Page 185-186, Poisoned Needle by Eleanor McBean.

Herd effects It has been suggested that because the death and persisting illness rate in previously healthy children is low they need not be immunised. The argument is not presented alongside urging immunisation of those children with for instance heart disease or developmental abnormality, and even if it was, this leaves the most vulnerable children more exposed to infection from those least likely to die.

In the absence of assertions that contracting infectious diseases is either a necessary part of development, or confers specific benefits apart from specific (to that disease) immunity it is commonly accepted that surveillance for infectious disease and isolation of individuals contracting an infectious disease are cornerstones of public health policy. In the 19th century the city of Leicester in the UK is reported to have achieved a high level of isolation of Smallpox cases and great reduction in spread compared to other areas. The mainstay of Leicester's approach to conquering smallpox was to decline vaccination and put their public funds into sanitary improvements. A component of current-day anti-vaccinationist argument is against the medical establishment. This renders those convinced more likely to avoid reporting illness and thus weakens the tracing and control of infection. An imported Measles case in Iowa is one illustration of the problem this might cause.

UK: DPT 1970s

In the 1970s a campaign against the use of the DPT immunisation "triple jab" arose. It was particularly notable in a newspaper, the Sunday Times, Following this there was an increase in cases of pertussis (whooping cough) .

A similar pattern has been seen in the 1990s with MMR.

Recognisable anti-vaccinationist activity is one of the strands in a complex braid and to the extent to which it was effective, most doctors and governments regard resultant harm as belonging to it.

Holland: Measles 1999-2000

As an illustration of the behaviour of measles in an unvaccinated population, the religious community and school outbreak summarised at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4914a2.htm is available. The population living nearby in the several provinces affected have had a high level of immunisation with the exception of one of the religious denominations who traditionally do not accept vaccination. The three measles-related deaths and 68 hospitalizations that occurred among 2961 cases in the Netherlands indicate that measles can be severe and may result in death even in industrialized countries.

Ireland: Measles (2000)

Beginning in late 1999, and continuing into the summer of 2000, a measles outbreak occurred in North Dublin, Ireland. At the time, the national immunisation level had fallen below 80%, and in part of north Dublin where the outbreak was focussed, the level was around 60%. There were more than 100 hospital admissions from over 300 cases. Three children died and several more were gravely ill, some requiring mechanical ventilation to recover.

Anti-vaccinationist material

Anti-vaccination writings, on the Internet and previously on paper, are characterised by a number of distinct differences from medical and other scientific literature.Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page).

An example of a dishonest argument is dismissing immunisation as ineffective because it has not eliminated any disease. Even this only works until 1979, when smallpox was eradicated. Some diseases, like polio, have been eliminated in several countries (as distinct from completely eradicated).

Section References

[UToronto.ca (pdf) - 'Public opponents of vaccination: a case study", Julie Leask, Peter McIntyre, National Centre for Immunization Research & Surveillance, University of Sydney Vaccine, vol 21, p 4700-4703 (2003) PMID 14585678 ] . ] ] ] www.vaclib.org/basic/crusade.htm Yurko (attacks Jenner, makes various assertions) reprinted from Crusador Magazine. www.mercola.com/2001/may/5/vaccination_jenner.htm Hadwen MD "Truth" 1923 (on Jenner - nothing approaching a medical qualification; fraudulent research on cuckoo ...

Anti-vaccination organisations

Historical

The initial aims and results of the early movements:- In Massachusetts the argument continued from that over variolation, with a minority religious view strongly put that others should eschew immunisation in order to accept the Smallpox god sent. Cotton Mather and other leaders favoured efforts to prevent disease.

In the US, the Commonwealth of Masachusetts was the first to make vaccination mandatory, in 1908.

In the UK vaccination was provided free from 1840 under the Vaccination Act.

1873 Act: In 1873 a further Vaccination Act made vaccination compulsory. Resistance to compulsion grew and in 1885 following riots in Leicester a Royal Commission sat and reported 7 years later, recommending the abolition of cumulative penalties which was accomplished in the1898 Act which also introduced a conscience clause, allowing parents who did not believe vaccination was efficacious or safe to obtain a certificate of exemption. This act extended the important concept of the "conscientious objector" in English law.

The aims of the protesters and organisations had thus been achieved in 1898.

It has been suggested that National_Anti-Vaccination_League be merged into this article. (Discuss)
Name Started Finished Location Membership Unique Proposition / Notes
Anti-vaccination Society 1798 Boston USA Against the will of god
Anti-Compulsory Vaccination League 1866 1880 (segue) Mr. R. B. Gibbs (d. 1871) started it . Revived 1876, President: Rev. W. Hume-Rothery
the Anti-Vaccination Society of America 1879
New England Anti-Compulsory Vaccination League 1882
Anti-Vaccination League of New York City 1885
London Society for the Abolition of Compulsory Vaccination 1880 1896 (segue) Victoria Street, Westminster, London Secretary: Mr. William Young. Adopted The Vaccination Inquirer established 1879 William Tebb as the organ of the Society. Published:
  • 14 "Vaccination Tracts" 1877 - completed by Dr. Garth Wilkinson in 1879.
  • 1879, "Vaccination Tracts"
  • 1882 THE FABLE OF THE SMALL-POX HOSPITAL NURSES SAVED
  • FROM SMALL-POX BY RE-VACCINATION
  • April 1883 to March 1884, The Vaccination Inquirer Vol V (book) The movement grew and the London Society soon became national so reformed as ...
    • National Anti-Vaccination League 1896 (Feb) before 1970? England objectives:— The entire repeal of the Vaccination Acts; the disestablishment and disendowment of the practice of vaccination; and the abolition of all regulations in regard to vaccination as conditions, of employment in State Departments, or of admission to Educational, or other Institutions. Added in 1921:— and vindication of the legitimate freedom of the subject in matters of medical treatment.

    A rather separate organisation with a general anti-vaccination view but with other more significant characteristics was the Nazi party. http://www.newscientist.com/channel/opinion/mg18725131.600

    Current

    Since the reversion from compulsory immunisation in the UK opposition has continued at a lower level. Following 1993 several national organisations appeared on the Web. Continuity with the older organisations is not apparent.

    Opposition could no longer focus upon the abridgement of vicarious individual liberty - the right to determine what is done to one's children but arguments that immunisation did not have an effect; that it had an effect but the effect was overwhelmingly bad; or that although immunisation had a beneficial effect that beneficial effect was less than lifelong and produced perverse consequences continue. The increasing litigiousness of the general population provides another impetus toward persuading others of a causative link between vacinations and individual illness.

    This changes the ground toward hypotheses that in theory require evidence and are susceptible to disproof rather than the philosophical questions of the relationship of individuals to state or deity. Scientific investigation has been undertaken, and characteristically subsidiary arguments that each scientific investigation which did not prove one of those hypotheses had been incorrectly designed, conducted, interpreted or punctuated and spelled. The rare theories of scientifically qualified practitioners go uncriticised in the movement.


    Specific people

    Main page: List of anti-vaccinationists
    File:Wiki letter w.pngThis section is a stub. You can help by adding to it.

    The State

    "Vaccination is unique among de facto mandatory requirements in the modern era, requiring individuals to accept the injection of a medicine or medicinal agent into their bodies, and it has provoked a spirited opposition. This opposition began with the first vaccinations, has not ceased, and probably never will. From this realisation arises a difficult issue: how should the mainstream medical authorities approach the anti-vaccination movement? A passive reaction could be construed as endangering the health of society, whereas a heavy handed approach can threaten the values of individual liberty and freedom of expression that we cherish." BMJ

    Most states in the USA require immunization, or obtaining exemption, prior to enrollment in public school. Exemptions are typically for people who have compromised immune systems, allergies to the components used in vaccinations or strongly-held objections. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers parental waivers of immunization a form of child abuse and neglect.

    Anti-vaccinationist organisations publicise the procedure for obtaining exemption.

    Immunizations are often compulsory for military enlistment.

    Anti-vaccinationist assertions

    Many assertions are replicated across a number of websites and repeated by individuals who have been categorised as anti-vaccinationist. They are generally presented as individual propositions, rather than a nesting set of propositions such that any individual one depends on any other. This contrasts with scientific argument where classification and consolidation are fundamental. See Anti-vaccinationist/Assertion table for an incomplete list.

    No benefit, ever

    Some anti-vaccinationists offering alternative medical practices assert that there has never been any benefit to public health from vaccination. Similarly they assert that all the reduction of communicable diseases which were rampant in conditions where overcrowding, poor sanitation, almost non-existent hygiene and a yearly period of very restricted diet existed, are reduced because of changes in conditions excepting vaccination.

    50%

    As in:

    • "50% of deaths occur in vaccinated children" with the implication being that there is an even chance regardless of immunisation, and that the immunised population is identical to the unimmunised.
    • "50% of deaths occur in children below the age of vaccination" with the implication that they would not be protected by personal immunisaiton, and therefore not protected at all. Herd immunity being not mentioned.

    90%

    A recurring argument of some specificity is that 90% (eg 99.4% for measles in England and Wales from 1901/2 averaged ) reduction in a specific disease occurred between two dates the latter just prior to introduction of vaccination or immunisation against that disease, and that therefore any subsequent reduction is due to the same forces of history, and none of it is due to the addition of vaccination to those historical forces.

    (See also vaccine controversy)

    In on-line responses and Misplaced Pages

    Responses to papers or reports of scientific or political enquiry in the BMJ attract responses repeatedly deploying characteristic arguments in characteristic fashion from a small population of frequent responders. Mainstream doctors regard these arguments as having been refuted.


    Quotes

    • "The greatest threat of childhood diseases lies in the dangerous and ineffectual efforts made to prevent them through mass immunization.....There is no convincing scientific evidence that mass inoculations can be credited with eliminating any childhood disease."--Dr Robert Mendelsohn, M.D (Ref: How To Raise Your Child In Spite Of Your Doctor)

    The World Health Organisation and almost all doctors point out that Smallpox has been eradicated from the world, and Polio eliminated from most countries, as a result of a complex programme of activities of whcih immunisation, initially generally and latterly in rings around outbreaks, is an essential part.

    • "I found that the whole vaccine business was indeed a gigantic hoax. Most doctors are convinced that they are useful, but if you look at the proper statistics and study the instances of these diseases you will realize that this is not so."--Dr Archie Kalokerinos MD (Interview---- International Vaccine Newsletter June 1995 )

    The national health services and almost all doctors point out that they have looked at the statistics, and it simply isn't so.

    • "The 'victory over epidemics' was not won by medical science or by doctors--and certainly not by vaccines.....the decline...has been the result of technical, social and hygienic improvements and especially of improved nutrition.....the claim that vaccinations are the cause for the decline of infectious diseases is utter nonsense."--Dr. med. Gerhard Buchwald (Ref: The Vaccination Nonsense. ISBN 3-8334-2508-3 page 108.)

    The WHO and doctors in general point out that the decline is multifactorial, that no credible agency has suggested that vaccination alone prevents epidemics, that the medical discipline of public health is intimately concerned with all those listed, and that vaccination iss necessary to eliminate Polio from a country and was an essential component of the eradication of Smallpox. Recent experience with Haemophilus Influenzae B immunisation, against an absence of changes in hygienic conditions, indicates that immunisation has the additive effect expected.

    • "Vaccination procedures are a highly politically motivated non-science, whose practitioners are only interested in injecting multitudes of vaccines without much interest or care as to their effects. Data collection on reactions to vaccines is only paid lip service, and the obvious ineffectiveness of vaccines to prevent diseases is glossed over. The fact that natural infectious diseases have beneficial effect on the maturation and development of the immune system is ignored or deliberately suppressed. Consequently, parents of small children and any potential recipients of vaccines and any orthodox medications should be wary of any member of the medical establishment (which is little more than a highly politicised business system) extolling the non-existent virtues of vaccination."--Viera Scheibner

    The national health services and almost all doctors point out the science is extensive, that few or no doctors have a practice limited to vaccination and obviously care for a variety of unimmunised illnesses and this slur is unjustified, that data collection on vaccines is greater than that for most medicines or interventions, and that vaccinesa re obviously as well as scientifically proven to prevent disease although less than perfectly.

    Attacks on a broad front

    The neutrality of this section is disputed. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please do not remove this message until conditions to do so are met. (Learn how and when to remove this message)

    People associated with sites characterised as anti-vaccinationist (see for instance vaccine controversy) are also commonly involved with action which is presented as specific to some aspect of vaccination rather than against all vaccination. Alan Yurko would be one example.

    Science

    Assertions that immunisation cannot work because the theory on which it works is incorrect have been made.

    Doctors behaviour

    In 2006 immunisation of medical, nursing and paramedical staff in the UK national health service is believed to be complete.

    Cell-lines

    A reluctance to use (viral) vaccines derived from human cell-lines is a definite principled objection. Secular ethical, humanist and mainstream religious views generally do not reject them. The element of presentation of the argument, in terms of absolutes and the evil of those preparing the vaccines distinguishes arguments from an anti-vaccinationist stance from the discussion of proportionate benefit and harm in a continuum of ethics. See also vaccination and religion

    Thimerosal

    Main article: Thimerosal controversy

    , for chemical properties, see thimerosal

    Thimerosal is being phased out (already in some European countries) and the U.S. is following.

    Recently, largely in the United States, it has been suggested that the organic mercury content of thimerosal in childhood vaccines could contribute to autism. The 2004 Institute of Medicine panel favoured rejecting any causal relationship between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism. The interests in this are vested, for example, governments wishing public health policies to proceed, pharmaceutical companies preferring not to pay huge damages, and (in the absence of no-fault compensation) large monetary gains for successful litigants and their counsel.

    Anti-vaccination sites present information on the assertions of danger more prominently than these findings or the fact that thimerosal is absent from most vaccines.

    Publications

    Historical

    • 1884 Compulsory Vaccination in England by William Tebb
    • 1885 The Story of a Great Delusion by William White
    • 1898 Vaccination A Delusion by Alfred Russel Wallace
    • 1936 The Case Against Vaccination by M. Beddow Bayly M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.
    • 1951 The Truth About Vaccination and Immunization by Lily Loat
    • 1957 The Poisoned Needle by Eleanor McBean

    Recent

    • 1990 Universal Immunization: Miracle or Masterful Mirage by Dr. Raymond Obomsawin
    • 1993 Vaccination: 100 years of orthodox research shows that vaccines represent an assault on the immune system by Viera Scheibner. ISBN 064615124
    • 2000 Behavioural Problems in Childhood by Viera Scheibner. ISBN 0957800703
    • 2004 The Vaccination Nonsense by Dr. med. Gerhard Buchwald ISBN 3-8334-2508-3

    Anti-vaccine websites

    Websites commenting upon them

    References

    1. Wolfe RM, Sharp LK. Anti-vaccinationists past and present. BMJ 2002;325:430-2. Fulltext. PMID 12193361
    2. Measles outbreak feared (30 May, 2000) BBC Fulltext
    3. McBrien J, Murphy J, Gill D, Cronin M, O'Donovan C, Cafferkey MT (2003) Measles outbreak in Dublin, 2000. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 22(7):580-4. Fulltext. PMID 12867830
    Artificial induction of immunity / Immunization: Vaccines, Vaccination, Infection, Inoculation (J07)
    Development
    Classes
    Administration
    Vaccines
    Bacterial
    Viral
    Protozoan
    Helminthiasis
    Other
    Inventors/
    researchers
    Controversy
    Related

    </ref>

    Categories:
    Anti-vaccinationist: Difference between revisions Add topic