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Vaccination: Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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The practice of immunization dates back to the 1100’s, when scientists in China and the Middle East attempted to immunize individuals against smallpox by inserting powdered smallpox scabs, or fluid from the pustules, into superficial scratches made in the skin. The patients would experience a mild version of the illness, and then immunity. This method is known as variolation or inoculation. It was introduced to Europe and North America in the 1720’s and around 1738 it started to gain widespread recognition. Although it was a momentous medical breakthrough, inoculation was still widely criticized due to its safety drawbacks. It had a 2% mortality rate, which, although favorable when compared to the 14% mortality rate of actual smallpox, was …show more content…

… Today, a common topic among those opposed to vaccination that of the link between vaccines and neurological conditions, particularly Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Many argue that ASD and neurological conditions can be triggered or even caused by vaccines, particularly those with the mercury-based preservative known as thimerosal. Aluminum is also present in some vaccines and excess aluminum in the human body is known to cause neurological harm. Also among the many other toxins and carcinogens present in vaccines is Formaldehyde, exposure to which can cause serious side effects, including central nervous system depression. Never ending are the reports of bright-eyed healthy children up until the day of a vaccination, which is closely followed by rapid decline in developmental progress as well as emotional and psychological regression. Although many scientific studies have concluded that vaccines do not cause ASD, anti-vaxxers are skeptical due to the involvement of pharmaceutical companies in the investigations. 9 major studies have been released since 2003 finding no correlation between vaccines and ASD. All 9 of the studies were funded or conducted by the CDC, an organization that profits immensely from vaccine sales. This only adds to the distrust with which so many people seem to think about the pharmaceutical branch of the medical system. Another issue that is commonly discussed among those with a dubious approach to vaccines is that of fast-tracking. That is, if a particularly promising vaccine is developed by a pharmaceutical company, that company may put in a request for that drug to be fast tracked. If the request is approved by the FDA, experiments and safety testing may be accelerated in order to get the drug on the market as soon as possible. The issue with this, is that there is not always enough time allowed to

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