Running Head: A Deeper Look into the World of Vaccinations

A Literary Review: A Deeper Look into the World of Vaccinations Ashley Muoz The University of Texas at El Paso

Running Head: A Deeper Look into the World of Vaccinations Abstract Vaccinations are known to an overwhelming number of health care providers as being a

protecting factor from infectious diseases. They are known to Americans as highly recommended procedures from their doctors. Vaccinations start as early as birth, and continue through adulthood. Some Americans question the reliability and safety of these vaccinations. This literature review will provide the audience with information regarding how vaccinations work, how they can affect the human body, if they have alternatives, and also how they can be assured to be safe for the patient. The research in this literature review comes from a survey regarding vaccines, web videos, web pages, and online articles. .

Running Head: A Deeper Look into the World of Vaccinations Literature Review: A Deeper Look into the World of Vaccinations For some time there has been a cloud of concern among parents, doctors and everyday patients who succumb to vaccines, regarding the overall safeness of vaccinations. For example, the discourse community known as Moms Against Mercury, continue to raise awareness on

certain ingredients found in vaccines and the flu shot. In addition, they have been known to rally for the removal of these particular ingredients, in which they believe are contributors to autism. Meanwhile, the media as well as pharmaceutical companies and specific agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assure the public that vaccines are safe and that they are vital to the public health goal of preventing diseases. (National Institutes of Health , 2011) This ongoing debate concerning the safety of vaccines in turn confuses the public on whether vaccinations are safe or unsafe. The following questions will facilitate in better understanding the various roles of vaccinations: 1. How do vaccinations work against bacteria and viruses? 2. What effects can vaccines have on ones health? 3. Are there alternatives to vaccinations? 4. What should be done in order to ensure that vaccinations are safe for individuals? By having a better understanding of vaccinations and the debates that have arisen on the topic, parents, health officials and the general public can better understand how to stimulate change and the overall safety of vaccines. How do vaccinations work against bacteria and viruses?

Running Head: A Deeper Look into the World of Vaccinations Health officials claim that vaccines help develop immunity by imitating an infection. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013) For example, vaccines are composed of weaker versions of bacteria or viruses, or dead viruses, that cause diseases. When the vaccine is

administered, the body builds up antibodies against the particular bacteria or virus. This creates a readiness within the body to fight off future exposure to these same versions of bacteria or viruses. Moreover, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccines reduce the risk of infection by working with the body's natural defenses to help it safely develop immunity to disease. (2013) Vaccines expose people safely to germs, so that they can become protected from a disease but not come down with the disease. (New York State Department of Health, 2011) In other words, these germs are considered safe because they are usually weakened by chemicals, so that the body does not actually become ill due to administration of the vaccine. Consequently, the body now has developed antibodies to fight off future germs with their full potential. As one can see the human immune system works amazingly to fight off infectious diseases. However, is the only way that the immune system can become acquainted with certain viruses and bacteria through means of vaccinations? Or is the immune system wellbuilt enough to fight off infectious diseases through initial contact with viruses and bacteria, assuming the individual is healthy? Again, these are the questions that continued to be asked in the journey of finding the real answer to how vaccinations really work. What side effects can vaccines have on ones health?

Running Head: A Deeper Look into the World of Vaccinations

Vaccines, though they are designed to protect from disease, can cause side effects, just as any medication can. (The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 2013) These side effects, are also know as adverse events. There have been documented vaccine side effects reported or adverse events, some minor and some severe. At any rate, The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, go on to say that most side effects are mild. (2013) Meaning, the side effects are not serious or a reason for real health concerns. These mild side effects can include anything from soreness at the injection site, which can also be accompanied by redness and/or swelling. On the other hand, serious side effects include life-threatening allergic reactions or seizures. (The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 2013). Allergic reactions can be caused by an unknown allergy to a component of the vaccine, this can also be lead to seizures, and even death. Another example of an adverse event is one that is possible when receiving the smallpox vaccine. According to WebMD, some possible moderate to severe side effects, particularly of the smallpox vaccine, include brain damage. (2005) An example of this would be inflammation of the lining of the brain. Some cases have reported neurological issues after receiving the meningococcal vaccine. (WebMD, 2005) The neurological symptoms to include tingling, numbing sensations and/or muscle weakness. This is not to mention the possible allergic reaction that can be associated with vaccines. For example, six types of vaccinesMeasles Mumps Rubella (a highly controversial vaccine), varicella zoster, influenza, hepatitis B, meningococcal, and tetanus-containing vaccinesare linked to anaphylaxis. (Institute of Medicine, 2011) Anaphylaxis is characterized as a serious and swift allergic reaction that is capable of being fatal. Although, the College of Physicians of Philadelphia say serious side effects are rare. (2013) To

Running Head: A Deeper Look into the World of Vaccinations avoid suffering from these adverse events one should request a Vaccine Information Statement from a health representative. When an individual gets a vaccine, the health care provider gives

them a handout known as the Vaccine Information Statement (VIS). The VIS describes common and rare side effects, if any are known, of the vaccine. (College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 2013) Furthermore, participants of the Vaccination Survey conducted, responded that they have had adverse events subsequent to vaccine administration. (2013) Some of these symptoms include nausea for a number of days, soreness at the injection site, headaches, dizziness and lethargy. As one can see, these symptoms go hand in hand with the descriptions that have been given by medical professionals, in regards to adverse events. Are there alternatives to vaccinations? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the single best way to protect ones self against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. (2013) The vaccine known to be given every year around flu season is referred to as the influenza vaccine. Needless to say, according to the Vaccination Survey conducted, not all participants who did receive the influenza vaccine, did so yearly as it is recommended by health professionals. Aside from what is suggested by health professionals, literature suggests that there are other ways (besides succumbing to the influenza vaccine yearly) of keeping from getting the flu. One of the methods of keeping away from getting the flu would be to get more sleep. According to Denise Mann, getting adequate sleep can help keep the immune systems primed for attack and sleep deprivation suppresses immune system function. (2013) Further research suggested that when the body is sleep deprived the cells that lead the immune system in fighting off infections decrease. This

Running Head: A Deeper Look into the World of Vaccinations then creates a risk for developing the flu, and other illnesses. In addition, according to Paul

Fassa, eating more garlic and onion, is one of the alternatives of receiving the influenza vaccine. (2013) This is because onions as well as garlic, are antiviral and antibacterial. On the topic of what to include in a diet in order to maintain overall health, Dr. DAmado believes that one can stay healthy by eating right for blood type. This regimen consists of eating appropriate foods for a certain blood type. Because people have different blood type groups, there are certain foods that they should eat and not eat in order to absorb the best nutrients their bodies need to keep them healthy. Dr. DAdamo states that the blood type of an individual may determine what diseases and illnesses they are susceptible to. (2012) Also, Ben Kleifgen and Justin Silpe discuss a concept known as herd immunity. (2010) This is when a large population of a community is vaccinated or are highly immune to an infection, for instance due to their location. In a community where vaccination rates are very high, the likelihood of members being exposed to a pathogen is quite low. (Kleifgen and Silpe, 2010) Consequently, and based on the literature provided, this is yet another action that an individual could take as an alternative to a vaccination. What should be done in order to ensure that vaccinations are safe for individuals? According to a YouTube clip taken from The Drs television show, a mother of a boy who was severely affected for three years after receiving a chickenpox and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, says health officials should conduct further research on the patient, as to make the vaccine individualized rather than taking a one size fits all approach. (2008) Meaning, that vaccines as they are now, are composed of the same things whether they are being

Running Head: A Deeper Look into the World of Vaccinations given to a one year old or an eleven year old. In addition, this mother believes that questions

such as, is your child currently ill, does your family have a history of autoimmune disease and so on, should be asked before any vaccine procedure is performed. (2008) She believes that these very important questions are not being asked prior to these important medical procedures, especially when injecting children. Also analyzed from this same show, was the conversation between hosts which expressed that these vaccines are mandated in this country; however, there are some exemptions. Such as religious exemptions. Nevertheless, the fact that the government mandates vaccinations is causing some families to not be able to send their children to public schools and have to home school them instead. This could be prevented if patients and parents felt more comfortable and safer about receiving a vaccination or having their child receive a vaccination. To ensure that vaccination patients are safe the government should also mandate that health officials thoroughly and meticulously review informed consent with the patient prior to performing the vaccine procedure. This not only caters to the rights of that patient, but it also creates an opportunity to discover any discrepancies between the patients medical history and the vaccine components. In the vaccine survey, three out of ten participants reported that the person administering their last vaccine did not review the informed consent with them prior to the procedure. (2013) Moreover, organizations, such as Moms Against Mercury and others, should rally as a means to get pharmaceutical companies and other health agencies to perform more research on current vaccine issues. Moms Against Mercury rally on issues such as removing Thimerosal, a mercury containing agent, from all routine child vaccines. (2013) With more research being put into action, more information would come about regarding vaccines and their safe or unsafe nature. This would be a contributing factor to assuring the overall safety of

Running Head: A Deeper Look into the World of Vaccinations vaccinations. For example, Thimerosal has been accused by parents of causing autism in their

children. Perhaps if research was conducted on autistic children who had been vaccinated versus children who had not been vaccinated results of the studies would give these parents the answers that they continue to look for. This theory goes hand in hand with that of Dr. Tenpenny, who suggests that studies regarding the safety of vaccinations have been predominately performed on healthy individuals that are not on any medications. Research on sick individuals who are on medication is imperative. (2008) This is true because of the fact that not all people are the same. Unfortunately, some people can be severely sick in this case these can be the patients that can be affected the most. Dr. Tenpenny goes on to say that not enough research has been done on whether or not vaccines can be unsafe. (2008) However, more research conducted can also be true for the patient or parent of the patient that is scheduled to receive a vaccination. Meaning it is always safe to know what will be used in any medical procedure; therefore, research should be performed prior to succumbing to a vaccination. This is heavily important when getting a vaccine. According to the Vaccination Survey 5 out of 10 people did not know what was in the vaccinations that they received. In conclusion, there has been on ongoing debate concerning vaccinations. The debate juggles the safe or unsafe nature of vaccinations that are required for the better health of Americans since birth to adulthood. Parents, health officials and other skeptics of vaccinations argue that ingredients found in vaccines are not safe for the public. While health officials on the other end of the spectrum, encourage vaccines and assure the public that they are safe and effective. All the while, even going as far as saying that individuals who do not get the recommended vaccines are more likely to contract an infectious disease that may be fatal, than

Running Head: A Deeper Look into the World of Vaccinations they are to react to a vaccine and its components. Likewise, media, pharmaceutical companies

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and even health agencies express that the likeness of someone experiencing health complications from a vaccine, is far less than the likeliness of them contracting a disease that a vaccine could have protected them from and that to practice anything other than the recommended vaccine schedule to fight off infectious diseases is considered dubious at best. Some reports show that there have been serious health complications due to vaccines such as anaphylaxis, neurological problems and even death. Other adverse events from vaccines to include nausea for a number of days, soreness at the injection site, headaches, dizziness and lethargy. In order to come to an agreement, and to ensure public health all parties must work together. By having a better understanding of vaccinations and the debates that have arisen on the topic, parents, health officials and the general public can better understand how to stimulate change that is needed among vaccinations.

References http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/10/06/dr-palevsky-disease-vaccines.aspx National Institutes of Health , (2011). Vaccines. Retrieved from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health website: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/vaccines/understanding/pages/howwork.aspx Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2013). Understanding how vaccines work (231405B). Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/patient-ed/conversations/downloads/vacsafe-understand-coloroffice.pdf American Academy of Pediatrics. (2013). How do vaccines work?. Retrieved from http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/pages/How-doVaccines-Work.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR: No local token Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2012). How vaccines prevent diseases. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/vaccine-decision/prevent-diseases.html NY.gov. Department of Health, (2011). How do vaccines work?. Retrieved from NY.gov website: http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/how_vaccines_work.htm The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, (2013)Different types of vaccines. Retrieved from http://www.historyofvaccines.org/content/articles/different-types-vaccines WebMD. (2005). Vaccines health center. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/vaccines/meningococcal-vaccine-for-adults Institute of Medicine. (2011). Adverse effects of vaccines. Institute of Medicine, Retrieved from http://www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation/adverseeffects.pdf Mann, D. (2013). Can better sleep mean catching fewer colds?. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/immune-system-lack-of-sleep

Fassa, P. (2013). 10 immune boosting flu shot alternatives. Retrieved from http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/10-simple-steps-to-survive-the-winter-and-stay-healthy (2008, December 03). Child vaccinations- The doctors debate [Web Video]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMrFV2rnHlo Kleifgen, B., & Silpe, J. (2010). Vaccination requirements and exemptions. (Master's thesis)Retrieved from http://www.vaccineethics.org/issue_briefs/requirements.php D Adamo, P. (2012). The blood type diet. Retrieved from http://www.dadamo.com/program_welcome2.htm O' Meara, K. (2013). Doctors question flu shot statistics. Retrieved from http://www.momsagainstmercury.org/doctors-question-flu-shot-statistics.htm Tenpenny, S. (Performer). (2008, November 07). Vaccines safety: A crime against humanity [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAJb01ZiJNk