But the vaccine/autism issue has been revisited recently because of one girl with a mitochondrial disorder in whom vaccination and autism may, indeed, be linked.
This association deserves investigation. Perhaps there are rare instances in which vaccines should not be administered, but this does not negate the many studies that have confirmed, over and over, no cause/effect relationship between vaccination and autism.
Is it possible that something can be safe for the population, but dangerous for the rare individual? Of course! Peanuts are a perfect example. For most of us, peanuts are a delicious treat. For those with anaphylactic peanut allergy, they are a lethal threat. This small threat doesn't mean peanuts are toxic or should be banned, just that some people should avoid them.
I believe the same will prove true of childhood vaccination. For most of our children, the benefit of vaccination is high and the risk next to nil. Experts will identify the small percentage of cases where there is in fact a link, just as we identify and try to protect children with peanut allergy.
The bottom line is, parents should not avoid childhood vaccines anymore than they should ban peanut butter, chocolate, or playing outside at recess.
Read More from Prevention
5 Questions to Ask When a Doc Prescribes a Drug for Your Child
Raise Happier, Healthier Kids
Get Your Kids to Behave Without Punishing Them!
