We need open debate on vaccines
Was this event open to the public?
Did the speakers cover the many facets of the vaccine issue, or was the main focus on how to increase the uptake of vaccinations by the public?
Parents have valid concerns regarding vaccination. They must satisfy themselves as to the safety of any product that is to be injected into their baby.
Assurances from the government, vaccine manufacturers and pro-vaccine medical people that these products are safe is enough to convince some parents. Others investigate the anti-vaccination case and the science that questions vaccination before making their decision.
Dr Andrew Wakefield’s research results linking MMR with autism (as mentioned in your report) received an inordinate amount of publicity. However, there have been other less publicised studies that examined possible connections — some affirmed a link while others discounted it.
Autism and related disorders, as well as other afflictions, are not the rarity they once were. It makes sense fully to explore all possible causes, especially any relatively recent influences on our environment, vaccines included.
MMR and other vaccines have been injected into a large proportion of the population.
The fact that this often more or less coincides with the emergence of autism in children makes them suspect.
Despite what we hear from both sides of the argument, no comprehensive research has been carried out to prove one way or the other if a connection with autism exists. There is no definitive proof either way, only some pieces of the puzzle.
Vaccination, regardless of what interest groups try to make us believe, is not a black-and-white issue. Neither is it a procedure to be demonised or discounted without proper investigation.
Parents have the choice to vaccinate their children fully or partially — or not at all. Nobody can or should make the choice for them.
The hard truth is that parents must be prepared to live with the consequences of their actions and the effects — good or bad — that those decisions have on their children.
This is a very emotive issue and nothing is to be gained by scare tactics, put-downs or by ignoring those with opposing views.
I propose that those involved with vaccines in any capacity get together and look at the whole picture.
This includes research scientists, doctors, health officials, vaccination opponents, parents of autistic children, parents of children proven to be vaccine-damaged and concerned members of the public.
No single group has a monopoly on the truth.
It is our children who are being damaged by something and it is up to us to put our heads together and figure out what that something is — or at least to eliminate through investigation any suspected source of the problems. We must not be afraid to look at our own knowledge and beliefs regarding vaccines and be open to the views of others.
Billy Tague
Rivendell
Mountain Road
Carrigaline
Co Cork
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