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Hib Vaccine Linked to Increased Autism Rates
The first conjugate vaccine was approved for use in the United States in 1988 to address Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), a bacterial infection plaguing kids’ health. This coincides with a rise in reported prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) among children in America.
Could the Hib vaccine be responsible for this marked increase in ASDs? A study in the Medical Hypotheses says:
“It is hypothesized here that the introduction of the Hib conjugate vaccine in the US in 1988 and its subsequent introduction in Denmark and Israel could explain a substantial portion of the initial increases in ASDs in those countries.
The continuation of the trend toward increased rates of ASDs could be further explained by increased usage of the vaccine, a change in 1990 in the recommended age of vaccination in the US from 15 to 2 months, increased immunogenicity of the vaccine through changes in its carrier protein, and the subsequent introduction of the conjugate vaccine for Streptococcus pneumoniae.” (Link)
The History of the Hib Vaccine
The Hib vaccine was intended to protect infants and young children against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), a bacterial infection that can lead to pneumonia, infections of your blood, joints, bones, and pericardium. “Historically, it has also been a leading cause of bacterial meningitis,” says natural health expert Dr. Joseph Mercola.
Since that time, the Hib vaccine has been approved in most developed countries. It was added to the national vaccine programs of Denmark in 1993 and Israel in 1994.
Since the late 1980s, there has been a marked increase in the reported prevalence of autism spectrum disorders among children in the U.S. A similar increase was seen in Denmark and Israel.
This may be a reflection of “ascertainment biases,” but researchers are looking closely at the Hib vaccine as another trigger. Increasing vaccine usage is seen to further explain this trend toward increased ASD rates.
Vaccine Injury or Death Is Caused by Several Co-Factors
These health conditions, though, can’t be attributed to a particular vaccine. National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) president and co-founder Barbara Loe Fisher says that vaccine injury is the result of a unique interaction between the host and the type and numbers of vaccines given to that person. Among the co-factors seen are:
- Age at the time of vaccination
- Personal and/or family history of vaccine reactions
- Personal or family history of brain and immune system dysfunction (allergies, autoimmunity, seizures, etc.)
- Types and numbers of vaccines given the day after an initial reaction took place
- Health status at the time of vaccination (coinciding acute or chronic illness)
- Types and numbers of vaccines given prior to experiencing a vaccine reaction
Many different hypotheses have associated vaccines with the dramatic rise in autism over the past few decades. For instance, Fisher and Harris Coulter were the first to point to the whole cell pertussis vaccine, which can cause brain damage labeled as “autism” in some children.
The “sole cause” hypothesis is simple and convenient (i.e. people believe one action will fix the problem), but it comes with a repercussion.
“The problem with promoting the ‘sole cause’ hypothesis when it comes to vaccination is that the rise in chronic disease and disability among our children, including autism, is likely caused by multiple factors in any number of combinations. Therefore, by trying to hone in on just one cause, we’re likely to fail in our efforts to curb this epidemic,” asserts Dr. Mercola.
Curbing the Autism Epidemic
While it’s unlikely that one vaccine is responsible for rising autism cases, it’s all too clear that children these days are getting too many vaccines, says Dr. Mercola.
In a national spontaneous reporting system of the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in collecting adverse drug reaction (ADR) data, more than 31,000 ADR reports for children below age 17 were received between 2000 and 2009. Vaccines were a factor in more than 66 percent of these pediatric drug reaction reports.
Aside from the co-factors cited above, other potential elements shouldn’t be discounted as well. These are:
- Genetically modified foods
- Mercury fillings
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Fluoride overexposure
- Processed, denatured foods
- Gut flora dysbiosis
- Environmental toxins of all kinds
- Electromagnetic fields (EMF) and “dirty electricity”
Dr. Mercola emphasizes the importance of keeping yourself educated on vaccines. Read the latest vaccine news and maximize the resources found on the website of the NVIC, a leader in vaccine safety and information.
You should also carefully select your pediatrician. Have the courage to find another doctor if your pediatrician or doctor refuses to provide medical care to your child unless you agree to get vaccines you don’t want.
“Harassment, intimidation, and refusal of medical care are becoming the modus operandi of the medical establishment in an effort to stop the change in attitude of many parents about vaccinations after they become truly educated about health and vaccination,” warns Dr. Mercola.
And instead of pointing to just one vaccine, carefully examine your kid’s health – her overall toxic burden and number of vaccines received, for instance – to arrive at the best possible solution.
Keep posted for more kid’s health news from Dr. Mercola.
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Tags: Autism, Dr. Joseph Mercola, Dr. Mercola, Hib vaccine, Kid's Health, optimal health, vaccines
