GOLDEN VALLEY: In Minnesota, there has been a sudden surge in measles-related cases and more than 40 children have been down with the syndrome.
This has raised concerns among authorities as they see it as a sign of parents being averse to getting timely vaccinations for their children.
The data available with Minnesota Department of Health shows a disturbing trend: Out of the 48 cases that have been reported, as many as 45 of them involve young kids without vaccinations.
A deeper investigation has revealed the fear among parents who refuse to get their children vaccinated that vaccines have possible connections to autism.
MUST READ: Vaccines and Autism: The Never Ending Controversy
The fears are possibly linked to the vast amount of online information, particularly within the Somali-American community. The Somali-American community is reported to have the vast majority of these cases.
However, the fears are unfounded, and many organisations such as the World Health Organization and The National Institute of Health have concluded that there is no link between vaccinations and autism.
Jason Wolff, autism researcher at the University of Minnesota, says, “I can’t really think of something that we’ve delved into more than this to settle it.”
Jason Wolff further highlights that “There are well over 100 studies that have shown there is no link between vaccines and autism, and they’ve looked at every possible side of that issue; they’ve found nothing time and time again.”
Wolff goes on to clarify why so many parents continue to make this connection, saying it has to do with the fact that many parents see signs of autism during the time when they get their kids vaccinated. However, he says that the amount of research carried out has put all these fears to rest, showing that autism appears much earlier.
“We found that the brain is changing in autism, probably before six months of age, and certainly by six months of age,” Wolff said. “This is well before children are receiving a lot of their vaccines, so autism develops slowly over time, probably even starting in the uterus.”
Wolff further blames the anti-vaccination groups for the misinformation that is being spread and says it amounts to real frustration among researchers as it hinders the real advancements that are being achieved in the field of autism research.
“We’re probably going to move our understanding of autism pretty significantly,” Wolff said.
Weinberg says that the reasons behind the fears are understandable, as no one wants their children to have autism. However, he asks people to embrace the science and set apart the unfounded fears.
“Nobody wants more kids to have autism,” Weinberg said.
“The goal is for kids to grow up healthy with the best access to resources, but preventing them from getting their vaccines is not going to do that.”
Have you come across any of these views about vaccinations among your loved ones? What is your take on it?
Feel free to add your thoughts in the comment section below.
I am Ash and I celebrate Neurodiversity! Growing up with an elder brother with severe Autism was tough – but it has also taught me essential life lessons. I don’t believe that people with Autism are necessarily or have any disorder (except in extreme cases). They are just different! And that is something to be proud of! I am passionate about helping other families who may have Autism conditions in their family. So please reach out and drop me a note. I will be glad to help 🙂
