biology week 12 assignments

 Should “parents take a more active role in designing their children’s immunization schedule”? 

The vaccine schedule for children aged 0-6 approved by the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends 25 shots in the first 15 months of life. These 25 shots are recommended because amongst other diseases they immunize against pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, mumps, measles, rubella, rotavirus, polio, and hepatitis B.

The alternative and selective vaccination schedules aren't reviewed or approved by the CDC. However, some parents opt to change the schedule or not vaccinate at all because of a variety of concerns. The most compelling argument that I have heard is the concern that the ingredients in the vaccines are toxic and may compromise the heath of a child. For example ingredients in vaccines include the following:

Preservatives and stabilizers: Since 1968 the United States Code of Federal Regulations (the CFR) has required, in general, the addition of a preservative to multi-dose vials of vaccines.

Thimerosal: an ethylmercury based preservative.

Formaldehyde: may be used as an antimicrobial.

Adjuvants: Aluminum has been used in some vaccines for over 75 years to improve the vaccine's performance by helping to stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies.

Egg Protein: If your child has had an allergic reaction to eggs or egg products, you should be sure to discuss this with your child's doctor.

While I believe that vaccinations are a public heath issue, I also think that the state and state agencies should not have any control over people’s bodies.  Especially in the case of parenting and vaccinations. I do not believe that the CDC or the state has the interests of the public when making recommendations. If parents are seeking to wait or not vaccinate I fully respect their choice to make their own decision.

Would you support making vaccination programs “compulsory”? 

No, but especially not under the sate and in the context of a capitalist cultural/ economic system. The state’s interest in ‘protecting’ the bodies of its citizenry are only to serve the interests of the state.

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1164794