In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Walter Orenstein discuss Should we vaccinate?  After the elimination of measles in the USA in 2000, the first six months of 2019 has seen over 1000 cases. Vaccination does not cause autism, but lack of vaccination can result in serious long-term consequences in some infected children. Today, Dr. Walter Orenstein, Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine and Director of the Emory-UGA Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance, provides a sound basis for making informed decisions about this currently controversial topic. 

  

Key Takeaways:   

• Vaccination does not cause autism: the original report was retracted, and its author relieved of his license to practice medicine. 
• Hearings on vaccine approval are open to public participation. 
• While the decision to vaccinate is an individual right, there are many facts and factors those seeking exemptions could consider.  This is a topic where separating fact from fallacy is in everyone's best interest. 

    

"Science does not support a relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism. The published article, which has been retracted, was inappropriate in terms of validity and deception and real biases in it; It was bad science. Quality science has shown very clearly no relationship between MMR vaccine and autism." - Dr. Walter Orenstein  

    

Connect with Dr. Walter Orenstein:     

Twitter: twitter.com/worenst 

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/walter-orenstein 

   

Connect with Therese:   

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net  

Twitter: @CritiSpeak