Hepatitis B Vaccine Triples Risk of Autism

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Columns - Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Lourdes Salvador's Column

...Co-founder of MCS America discusses the latest Multiple Chemical Sensitivity issues.

Lourdes Salvador volunteers as a writer and social advocate for the recognition of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). She was a passionate advocate for the homeless and worked with her local governor to provide services to the homeless through a new approach she created to end homelessness. That passion soon turned to advocacy and activism for people with MCS and the medical professionals who serve them. She co-founded MCS Awareness in 2005 and went on to found MCS America in 2006. She serves as a partner for Environmental Education Week, a partner for the Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE), and a supporter for the American Cancer Society: Campaign for Smokefree Air.

For more information visit MCS America

Monday, October 12th, 2009:

Hep B Vaccine Triples Risk of Autism

by Lourdes Salvador

Since 1991, vaccination with hepatitis B vaccine has been recommended for all newborns.

The shot is frequently given on the day of birth, but has a questionable safety record. Studies have found links between the hepatitis B vaccine and ear infections, arthritis, throat inflammation, and the need for special education services.

Scientists have now found that male babies vaccinated with the hepatitis B vaccine have triple the risk of developing autism when compared to unvaccinated boys and those vaccinated at an older age.

The risk of autism increases with administration of the hepatitis B shot and is greatest for non-Caucasians.

Hepatitis B is liver disease caused by a virus and transmitted via body fluids. The virus leads to liver inflammation and may result in liver cancer, liver failure, and kidney disease if untreated.

Symptoms include:

Abdominal pain

Dark urine

Joint pain

Loss of appetite

Nausea and vomiting

Weakness and fatigue

Yellowing of skin and the whites of eyes (jaundice)

Hepatitis B vaccine is usually given as a series of several shots over several months. The CDC recommends that the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine be given at birth.

The vaccine contains aluminum hydroxide which is injected as a part of the vaccine. The material safety data sheet for aluminum hydroxide states, “Harmful if swallowed. May cause irritation. Avoid breathing vapors, or dusts. Use with adequate ventilation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothes. Wash thoroughly after handling. Keep container closed.”

Some research has shown that certain people are not able to metabolize aluminum hydroxide as previously though. The adjuvant is then stored in the muscle tissue where it can lead to muscular degenerative diseases.

Thimerosal has also been found in some formulations of the hepatitis B vaccine. Thimerosal is a mercury compound that has been linked to neurotoxicity and is widely in question as a potential cause of autism.

Neither thimerosal or aluminum hydroxide has been investigated for human safety since the 1920’s. At that time, investigation was limited to a single study.

Reference:

C. Gallagher, C, Goodman, M. Hepatitis B Vaccination of Male Neonates and Autism. Annals of Epidemiology. 19(9):659-659.

For more articles on this topic, see: MCSA News.

Copyrighted 2009 Lourdes Salvador & MCS America

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