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Another study finds that despite rare adverse events, childhood vaccines are safe
http://scienceblogs.com/thepumphandle/2014/07/08/another-study-finds-that-despite-rare-adverse-events-childhood-vaccines-are-safe/Vaccine safety is one of those topics that has become so tragically mired in misinformation and myth that there can never be enough supporting evidence. So, here’s some more.
In a systematic review of the scientific literature on childhood immunizations that will be published in the August issue of Pediatrics, researchers found that vaccine-related adverse events are “extremely rare” and that — once again — the measles/mumps/rubella vaccine (MMR) is not associated with autism.
Overall, the study found that while the risks associated with childhood vaccines are not zero, the evidence shows that vaccines are “very safe” and their risks should be appropriately weighed against the health risks of the diseases they prevent. Researchers also reported “strong evidence” that the MMR, DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), Td (tetanus-diphtheria), Hib (immunizes against a bacteria that causes meningitis and pneumonia) and hepatitis B vaccines are not associated with childhood leukemia. The study was conducted at the request of the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to help identify gaps in vaccine safety evidence.
Researchers noted in the study’s introduction that while vaccines are considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the 21st century, “routine childhood vaccine uptake remains suboptimal” and that parental refusal of vaccines are contributing to disease outbreaks. For example, this year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting a record number of measles cases, with more than 500 confirmed cases between January and July. It’s the highest caseload since measles was officially declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. The public health agency reports that the majority of those who’ve contracted the disease are not vaccinated.
In a systematic review of the scientific literature on childhood immunizations that will be published in the August issue of Pediatrics, researchers found that vaccine-related adverse events are “extremely rare” and that — once again — the measles/mumps/rubella vaccine (MMR) is not associated with autism.
Overall, the study found that while the risks associated with childhood vaccines are not zero, the evidence shows that vaccines are “very safe” and their risks should be appropriately weighed against the health risks of the diseases they prevent. Researchers also reported “strong evidence” that the MMR, DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), Td (tetanus-diphtheria), Hib (immunizes against a bacteria that causes meningitis and pneumonia) and hepatitis B vaccines are not associated with childhood leukemia. The study was conducted at the request of the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to help identify gaps in vaccine safety evidence.
Researchers noted in the study’s introduction that while vaccines are considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the 21st century, “routine childhood vaccine uptake remains suboptimal” and that parental refusal of vaccines are contributing to disease outbreaks. For example, this year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting a record number of measles cases, with more than 500 confirmed cases between January and July. It’s the highest caseload since measles was officially declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. The public health agency reports that the majority of those who’ve contracted the disease are not vaccinated.
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