Dr Ari Brown, a pediatrician and author (books in photo), was on Dr Oz yesterday. She was asked to join a discussion about autism. Dr Brown is a board-certified developmental pediatrician, a mom to two, and an advocate for science. She is passionate and clear about what she believes. She is speaking all over the country about how to protect children from illness, particularly when making decisions about vaccines. She contributed ideas in my series in late 2010 entitled, “Do You Believe in Vaccines: part I, part II, and part III.” On Dr Oz, she was asked to contribute to a discussion about autism that ultimately focused on fears about vaccines. I worry the discussion wasn’t a representation of most American families and even Autism Speaks refused to join the show.
She’s shared with me a blog post she wrote after being on the show. Many other pediatricians are writing about the show; read Dr Natasha Burgert’s post, too. On the show, Dr Brown sat next to Dr Bob Sears, a pediatrician who deviates from the recommended AAP schedule and had a chance to discuss her take. She sheds light on what we can do as parents to really understand. Thanks, Dr Brown.
I am thankful, Dr Oz, for the opportunity to participate in your autism show. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and I hoped the show would help educate the public and move the conversation forward.
As a pediatrician who talks with families everyday in my office, I know parents want to know more about both vaccine safety and about autism. I’m also a mom. Like you, I need accurate information to protect my kids as best as I can.
I am concerned that viewers took away a very inaccurate view of vaccines. The most vocal audience members represent a small minority. Most parents of children with autism agree with the scientific evidence and do not believe that vaccines cause autism.
And, an overwhelming number of healthcare providers worldwide do not believe vaccines and autism are linked. What viewers witnessed on the show was far from the norm.
Also, most parents in this country support vaccinations. In fact, 99.4% of American children under 3 years of age are vaccinated.
I base vaccination decisions for my patients and my own children on science, not anecdotes or conspiracy theories. I’m passionate about vaccinations because I watched a child die from chickenpox—a vaccine-preventable illness. I refuse to let another child become a statistic because of hearsay. I’m compassionate towards families whose children have autism, because I have personally walked that road with several patients.
These are the messages that resonate with me, as a parent and a doctor. I hope they will resonate with you.
1. Multiple studies conducted by academic institutions worldwide—which are not funded by pharmaceutical companies—have shown that vaccines do not play a role in autism. Here are the studies. Vaccine safety concerns have not been ignored. In fact, they have been addressed appropriately.
2. Delaying or selectively choosing some vaccinations has absolutely no benefit and only risk. It does not prevent autism, but leaves the youngest children vulnerable to serious infections. The diseases that vaccines protect against can cause disabling health problems or death—and they are often the most severe in younger children. They are not minor illnesses. Here are the diseases preventable by vaccination.
3. The vaccination schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control has been studied extensively by the most respected group of experts in their field. The time frame provides the safest, most effective way to give certain vaccines together.
4. Dr Bob Sears, a panelist on the show who supports a delayed vaccination schedule, has said, “My schedule doesn’t have any research behind it. No one has ever studied a big group of kids using my schedule to determine if it’s safe or if it has any benefits.” (“The Truth about Vaccines and Autism.” iVillage, September 2009). Since that statement, a 2010 study showed that children whose shots were delayed were just as likely to develop autism as those who were vaccinated on time. As one father on the show said so eloquently, the point of delaying shots seems to be just to make parents feel like they are doing something, when in reality, the decision puts their child at risk.
5. While it was not addressed on the show, the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and its association to autism have been debunked. The scare began with a report in a British medical journal in 1998 that was recently retracted. Over the past decade, researchers dutifully tried to duplicate the findings of that report and no one ever could. The question was asked, and it was answered.
6. It’s true—today’s children get more shots than we did as kids. Modern medicine now provides protection against twice as many deadly, disabling diseases. That’s a good thing! For instance, there is now protection against three different forms of bacterial meningitis. Infectious diseases are everywhere. No one can predict when a child will be exposed. And, even in the era of modern medicine—when someone becomes infected with a vaccine-preventable disease, it is usually too late or there is nothing to treat the infection. Prevention is key.
7. Parents, healthcare providers, and researchers all seek answers for autism spectrum disorders. We will be most successful by working together with the same goal–to discover the true causes of autism.
My advice to parents is to examine the scientific evidence for themselves. Your child’s health is too important to base decisions on inaccurate information. Seek reliable sources for medical information. Go to the AAP website and talk to your child’s doctor. As pediatricians, many of whom are parents too, we vaccinate our own children to protect them. We wouldn’t do anything differently for your child.
For more information on autism see this link.
K says
Is it true that the varicella vaccine uses human tissue? As a pro-life mom, this is one I really wrestle with. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Liz Ditz says
Dear Drs. Swanson and Brown,
Thanks for the ongoing, thoughtful presentations about the efficacy and safety of vaccines.
Dear K,
I’ve written a couple of posts on the issue of vaccines and fetal cell lines
https://lizditz.typepad.com/i_speak_of_dreams/2009/01/vaccines-and-fetal-cell-lines.html
https://lizditz.typepad.com/i_speak_of_dreams/2009/11/anti-vaccination-activists-and-extreme-opponents-of-abortion-like-to-use-language-that-gives-the-idea-that-ongoing-abortions.html
Both are from 2009. I believe the information is still accurate.
Geigerin says
This is a great post. I found the show quite unbalanced. That said, I think Dr. Bob Sears offers a schedule for parents worried about chemicals in vaccines. It’s a middle ground to prevent parents from not vaxing at all. Yes, kids are vulnerable longer, but it’s better than not vaxing at all.
Ross Coe says
Strangely there was no mention about Dr Oz owning a large amount of stock in, and being on the board of directors of, vaccine producer Siga Technologies. Search Siga Technologies and Dr Oz and read for yourself. Seems the Dr may not be as objective as he acts.
Jennifer says
I was very disappointed with the show. I think so much has been said about the vaccine and Autism that not enough is being looked at for other causes. I wish the show had focused more on other factors and really how we can help kids. As a mother of a son who was recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum, all the show did was make me sad and mad. I did the recommended schedule for shots for both of my kids and I would do it again in a heartbeat, but that is my opinion. I really think the show did nothing but add fuel to the vaccine debate and honestly as a mother of a child with Autism that does not help.
apple says
I was disappointed on the show as well. Issues on Autism must be tackled more.
Chandra says
I am a first year medical student and, after reading your blog for quite some time I finally read your bio and realized that you are essentially living the life that I one day hope to have: pediatrician, mother, teacher and mentor to other doctors-in-training, and advocate for consumer health information in social media. I realize that you are an incredibly busy person, but if there is any way I could contact you privately to possibly ask you some questions I would be incredibly appreciative. I am still early in my training, but I would love to find a good mentor. You of course may or may not be able to be that person – but you may possibly be able to help guide me in the right direction so that I can properly design my life and my career.
Robyn says
I didn’t see the show, but as I was swimming through the vaccine hype when my son was born 2 years ago (while being campaigned upon by a friend with an autistic child who blamed vaccination), it was Dr. Brown’s “Clear Answers & Smart Advice About Your Baby’s Shots” paper that provided me with the confidence to stay on the standard schedule (I was considering Dr. Sears’ schedule). I wish I had been following Seattle Mama Doc at the time – I would have had all the information I needed 🙂 But I was so grateful to my pediatrician for providing me with a copy of this paper as it really helped me to understand the facts.
Valeska says
I have created a petition online in the hopes of getting enough signatures to convince Dr. Oz and his producers to do a follow-up show. This time to talk about the ASD community, our fight, our love, our support for one another. To talk about early intervention, therapies and treatments. We shouldn’t be showing parents who think having autistic kids is a burden, instead we should show the good moments and how wonderful our kids are. We need to educate everyone of the real meaning of autism. Together I am confident that we can. Feel free to click on the link on my name or go to ipetitions.com/giveautismachance
Thank you!
Viki says
Dr Oz has a show? All I know of Dr Oz is a segment called the Poop Primer. I guess he’s moved up in the world! I expected Dr Oz to call Dr Sears on whether there was an outbreak of measles at his practice. Or call him on the assertion that the source of research funds determines the outcome of a study. Sure a researcher can be biased; this is why journals have peer review. This is also why we rely on follow-on studies to verify results. It sucks that no one rebutted that point because it promotes fear and conspiracy. Or perhaps Dr Oz could ask Dr Sears why the Dr Sears brand children’s multivitamin includes methyl B12. Only 5-15% of the population have metabolic issues that would require this form. However, it’s the “in” intervention in the autism community.
Jane says
I thought the whole show was very confusing and borderline hysterical (as in out of control, not “funny”). Audience members were shouting over the doctors. Dr. Oz said that on one hand, there is NO evidence vaccines cause autism, but on the other hand, he chose to space his kids’ vaccinations (wild applause from the audience), but of course, if you’re too busy or dumb to figure out an alternative vax schedule, you can just follow the AAP schedule. What??! My mother is a speech pathologist at a major university with more than 35 years of experience. She did her Masters Degree on autism and has worked with hundreds of autistic children and adults. She doesn’t think there is a link between vaccines and autism. I think the show did a huge disservice to parents.
Carolyn Thomas says
Dr. Wendy Sue
Thanks so much for revisiting Dr. Brown’s experience with Dr. Oz.
The assumption most people are leaping to is that the Dr. Oz show is somehow about medicine. It is not. It’s about TV ratings.
Dr. Tom Linden, a professor of medical and science journalism at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill told the Los Angeles Times last summer that today’s celebrity doctors can be divided into two broad categories:
1. medical journalists
2. medical showmen
I suspect Dr. Oz has morphed into the latter. Dr. Linden explains: “Journalists operate under journalistic principles. The showmen operate outside the sphere of journalism and are in the world of informational entertainment.”
Watching the Dr. Oz show now involves a considerable cringe factor, particularly when he trots out his plastic surgery pals in embarrassing live demonstrations of his anti-aging theories, his awkward game shows, his vacuous topics like “Four Libido Super-Foods” that he claims will “save your relationship”.
Now add the sensational autism/vaccination controversy to that list. Why? Because it’s good for ratings. More on this in “What Has Happened To You, Dr. Oz?” from The Ethical Nag: Marketing Ethics For The Easily Swayed at: https://ethicalnag.org/2010/09/01/celebrity-doctors/
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD says
Wow, thanks Carolyn, for the insightful comments and fantastic link. I worry you’re right about the division of celebrity doctors but I remain hopeful we can have more than a handful of doctors reach “celebrity status” while maintaining their practice, principles, and purpose while sharing expertise and insight. It should be no different—what you say to one patient (in the exam room) versus what you say to millions (on TV) if you believe what you say to be in their interest. And to be in line with what research, science, and experience hold.
I think about this all of the time, particularly as I do more media work. Please feel free to help guide me along the way.
samotr says
I work with autistic children every day and I know that many of them have had their autism exacerbated or set off by vaccinations. It is absolutely critical that no child get 4-7 vaccinations on one day, that we make sure that thimerisol is not the preservative and that we choose what vaccinations are effective and important. Vaccinations are NOT 100% safe; just as going in for simple knee surgery is not 100% safe.
Parents, never take your child in for a vaccination if they are already sick and never get a combination or “load” of vaccinations, this stresses the nervous system and the immune system!!! Vaccinations have their place but use them safely and with knowledge behind your decisions, not guilt and pressure.
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD says
@Samotr,
I don’t agree with your recommendation, particularly because your recommendations for parents don’t seem to be based in science, experience, or medical expertise. They seem to be based in fear. I hate making recommenations based in fear. It’s powerful, but misleading. Your experience working with autistic children every day is powerful, I’m sure. But I’m not certain that your statements are fair. I entirely agree that every intervention we make in health, like every act where we don’t intervene, comes with risk.
Here’s what I will say:
1) I agree that you should never make health decisions based in “guilt and pressure.”
2) Combination immunizations are safe and well tested, and avoid additional pokes. MMRV (a combination vaccine) has been found to provoke fever and seizure more commonly at children between 12-18 months of age than divided doses. Therefore, I recommend parents use the split MMR and Varicella instead since a choice exists. The CDC and AAP and ACIP stand behind this. So does the data. Otherwise, the combination vaccines have proven effective and efficient in protecting children from vaccine preventable illnesses.
3) Thimerosal is not in any childhood vaccines in the US except for doses of Flu shots in kids over age 3. Your mention of it here feels manipulative…aimed at confusing and invoking fear, not educating. Read this: https://www.chop.edu/service/vaccine-education-center/hot-topics/thimerosal.html
Amy says
Hello, I have a question, is there a website or some type of video saying that shots do not birng autism? I need to prove to my husband that, because he watched some russian old stupid woman said that shots are not needed, they make kids sick, kids get autism and those diseaseas are not even here anymore. My yonger 9 month old kid doesnt hve shots because of that stupid woman. I need help with that. I have to convince him.
Moderation says
Amy:
I found these videos to be helpful:
Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/user/C0nc0rdance#p/c/6468ADC338D57BA8/2/VW1IEqKuf6s
Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/user/C0nc0rdance#p/u/80/8Tl3tUQng9Q
They were done in 2009 by a virologist and do a a good job of covering some of the history and also explaining correlation vs causation.
Marjorie says
Vaccinations are toxic and do cause harm. Have any of you taken the time to research the ingredients? You can’t believe everything your MD or the CDC tells you.
Robert Kennedy has videos on youtube you can view about the Autism vaccination connection. Research Lyme Induced Autism. May you find your answers and may your loved ones get their health back.
jack says
I have had full vaccinations and get a flu shot every year.
I am now 40, where is my autism? Why am I healthy?
Anne says
So where does all this leave parents? I have 3 children. One born “different” from day one; but hear me now, he got autistic colitis from the MMR (the results nor their replicability were NOT the reason the study was pulled; the doctor in question admitted to unethical requiting practices for the study. There has never been a similar study done on a select group of children to see if Autistic Entercolitis (which has been in the medical literature since the late 1800s) is an effect of shedding both the Measles virus and the Mumps virus (which shed via the gut) in close time proximity to each other. For a small group of kids there is a predisposition to developing a severe “leaky gut” syndrome after either having the diseases themselves or the vaccines — The problem with doing the studies is finding what the predispoing factor is… and trying to find this very small subset of kids for whom this is truly a problem who have had and not had the vaccine to see what their levels of autistic behavior are… I have no illusion that my son was “perfectly fine” before the vaccine, and I waited until he was older before being pressured into giving it to him… He was a very very very sick little boy and lost ground in many areas he’d made advances. Three years on a gluten and casein free diet and he regained some of that lost ground; but he was born “on the spectrum” and remains “on the spectrum” — it’s a matter of to what degree some of his deficits display.
The problem with finding “the” cause of autism is that there isn’t ONE CAUSE… “autism” is a label now given to a vast and broad spectrum of overlapping behaviors — there are numerous variances and subcategories of similarities under this broad term. Any studies done are going to be fraught with difficulties because of this… there is no genetic marker on gene such and such that is going to be the “magic answer.” The sooner we stop having polarized arguments about the issue, the sooner we can get some real answers.
There are other vaccine issues in my family’s history. Most recently my 3rd child received a booster in the whooping cough, tetanus/ diptheria series. Against my expressed wishes her physician decided to give her the Kinrex vaccine which she only informed me as she was giving it, included the injected polio vaccine as well. Okay those are all terrible diseases that have serious reprecussions, including fatality… But my daughter was unfortunate enough to be in that bottom 1% and developed a seriously high fever 104.7 that didn’t lower but a degree even with ibuprofen – Would the doctor report this to the CDC? No. Why not? because the threshold for reporting is 105.. oh gee sorry I should have waited for her to have a seizure and let the fever continue to rise to meet your artificial threshold first? This one of many reasons that vaccines seem to be so “safe” — the limits on what is reported as an adverse effect are contrived to exclude true adverse effects. She also developed a rash 5 days later, but the doctor won’t even discuss it with me — it’s not related. How the heck does she make that leap… no one has reported rash at five days? well yes… bc the CDC won’t record any reactions unless they happen within 24-48 hours after the vaccination! Ridiculous!!! as even them manufacturer will tell you that fever (although not 104.7) is common up to 2 weeks post vaccine — as in when the body is busy making the antibodies to the foreign substances…
In addition to the actual virus’ in the vaccines you have all the components they are made on and from… and that are added either as preservatives or as components, stabilizers and even accidental contaminants.
Okay so I have two kids who have experienced serious illness following vaccinations; my mother got the paralyzing Guillian-Barre syndrome following the flu shot one year; I have a localized allergic reaction to the TB test; I am still not immune to ruebella in spite of being vaccinated 3 times in my life with the MMR…
There’s our family history. What am I supposed to do? Am I supposed to blindly follow the medical communities pro-vaccine push and chalk everything up to chance and let my kids continue to be vaccinated? or do I try to find a doctor who is willing to write an exemption so that I can actually choose to not have my kids exposed to more vaccination due to our family history of complications? Or do my kids just not get to go to various schools, programs or colleges because they refuse to be forced to be vaccinated?
You tell me, bc no doctor or researcher has yet been able to say what the “right” decision is… the leaflet with the Kinrex says it shouldn’t be given to anyone who has ever had a “bad” reaction to it or it’s components… but the doctor doesn’t want to document that she had a reaction… so…. now what?
This pro — vaccines are 100% safe and effective (not true, read the literature) vs. con all vaccines are bad!!! drama isn’t doing anyone any good.
Real research needs to be conducted without the 433Million dollar government contracts and purchase orders attached… (smallpox anti-viral development)…
Recent outbreaks of whooping cough have now shown that that vaccine only lasts about 3-5 years not the lifetime as once believed, nor the 12 years subsequently believed… The chicken pox vaccine is only effective about 50% of the time and may require further boosters.
The truth about vaccines is murky at best. And what is in the interests of “the public at large” may not be in the interest of the individual. It sucks. I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t.
So you tell me, which decision is right for *MY* situation?
anne