Susan Gerbic
Graduate Poster
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2007
- Messages
- 1,527
Medicine is definitely not my strong point. But I just had to say something about this weekends USA Weekend article by Dr. Tedd Mitchell. The article is very short, he talks about 3 myths...
Vaccines don't work
Vaccines aren't necessary
Vaccines are dangerous
I am not upset about any of these, what bother's me is what he writes at the beginning of the article.
"A growing number of parents, skeptical of potential benefits and fearful of perceived side effects (such as the possible link between vaccinations and autism), are choosing to keep their children from receiving important immunizations."
Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about, that would not surprise me one bit. But I wrote to this man anyway, here is what I wrote...
"Concerning your June 20-22,2008 article, you attempt to dispel vaccination myths. You write, "(such as the possible link between vaccinations and autism)" this statement is disingenuous and misleading. Other than anecdotal accounts there is no scientific link between autism and vaccinations. To report that there might be a "possible link" only fuels the anti-vaccination crowd. As a public figure speaking as a doctor you are obligated to report scientific facts, not encouraging fear mongering. Trying to be polite and see the fringe's side of issues is not helpful to public health. If you have solid facts showing otherwise please notify the scientific community, they may have a Noble Prize waiting for you."
And here is the link to comment
I don't know how off the mark I am here, also am I overreacting to his comment? I have in the past (overreacted) to things that other people don't see as important.
Looking for input from other skeptics as I continue on my journey to knowledge.
Susan
Vaccines don't work
Vaccines aren't necessary
Vaccines are dangerous
I am not upset about any of these, what bother's me is what he writes at the beginning of the article.
"A growing number of parents, skeptical of potential benefits and fearful of perceived side effects (such as the possible link between vaccinations and autism), are choosing to keep their children from receiving important immunizations."
Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about, that would not surprise me one bit. But I wrote to this man anyway, here is what I wrote...
"Concerning your June 20-22,2008 article, you attempt to dispel vaccination myths. You write, "(such as the possible link between vaccinations and autism)" this statement is disingenuous and misleading. Other than anecdotal accounts there is no scientific link between autism and vaccinations. To report that there might be a "possible link" only fuels the anti-vaccination crowd. As a public figure speaking as a doctor you are obligated to report scientific facts, not encouraging fear mongering. Trying to be polite and see the fringe's side of issues is not helpful to public health. If you have solid facts showing otherwise please notify the scientific community, they may have a Noble Prize waiting for you."
And here is the link to comment
I don't know how off the mark I am here, also am I overreacting to his comment? I have in the past (overreacted) to things that other people don't see as important.
Looking for input from other skeptics as I continue on my journey to knowledge.
Susan
