Nearly a year and a half ago my son was diagnosed with autism.  Upon hearing the news, nearly every family member and friend would offer their support, and immediately follow up with a conversation about vaccines.  (Coincidentally, the same week I told most of my family members about Patton, Jenny McCarthy happened to make an appearance on Oprah with her son, the vaccine topic was VERY fresh in everyone’s mind. )

I’m predicting I am not alone in this experience.  It seems most people who have not know someone affected by autism have very little knowledge on the subject, and what they do know seems to be anti-vaccine related.  PBS/Frontline was right on target by titling their documentary “The Vaccine War”.  Vaccine’s are a hot-blooded issue, with vocal opponents and supporters fighting it out on talk shows, internet videos, and news outlets.  Jenny McCarthy being the most well known and outspoken opponent of vaccines has plead her side of the case in the media, and has also authored or coauthored 3 books on the matter.  Pro vaccine supporters lack a public figure to voice their opinion, however the Center for Disease Control, and other medical organizations and establishments, are firmly pro vaccines.

“The Vaccine War” does an excellent job in detailing the effectiveness, safety, and risks of vaccinations.  Footage is shown of children who have been hospitalized for vaccine preventable diseases, and the clips are very heartbreaking.  Most of these diseases are nearly eradicated, but due to an increase in people refusing vaccines, the diseases have begun to surface again. Parents who choose not to vaccinate seem to have little concern that their children could possibly contract any of the vaccine preventable diseases.

I feel both sides were given a fair chance to discuss their stance.  Given that  the physician (Dr. Andrew Wakefield) who originated the studies into autism/vaccine correlation (specifically the MMR vaccine), has had all of his studies discredited, I don’t feel the anti-vaccine group needed to be given any more opportunity to state their beliefs over scientific evidence.  I feel the film is worthwhile viewing for any person who is questioning vaccinations, however I am anxious to see the debate put to rest.  The cause of autism is still a big mystery, and it is time to focus research, money, and energy in other directions.

Further review reading (both pro and anti vaccine articles):

http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/04/the_vaccine_war_a_review.php

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-0427-vaccine-20100427,0,4863388.story

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jenny-mccarthy/ifrontlineis-the-vaccine_b_555785.html

http://daisymayfattypants.blogspot.com/2010/04/jennifer-margulis-poster-parent-for-me.html