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Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism Article Critique

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Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism Article Critique
Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism Article Critique
PSY 1010, General Psychology
August 29, 2014

Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism Article Critique The article written by K.K. Hayworth (2011) titled Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism suggest there has not been conclusive evidence of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine increasing the chances of autism in those who are vaccinated. There is enough evidence to support the claim that vaccines are a possible factor in the rise of diagnoses of autism. I believe more research needs to be done before dismissing the theory. It is my opinion that the increase of autism diagnosis is due to the rise in awareness and the push for early intervention.
The possible connection between the vaccinations and autism became public knowledge in the late 90’s. By 2009 there was a significant decrease in children being vaccinated. According to Heyworth “The Lancet published …show more content…
There are too many questions that are not answered. In Heyworth’s article she stated that “In 2007. . . . Merck’s HIB vaccine [was] recalled. . . . though the vaccine themselves tested negative for contamination”. (P.4/7) If the vaccines were not contaminated then why were they recalled? If the MMR held too much mercury for infants then they should have explored other ways to vaccinate. Merck no longer produces the vaccines in separate doses, why? In Heyworth’s article she states “at least seven large studies. . . . have now found no association between the MMR vaccine and ASD”. (P.3/7) She does not cite the studies. She does not give specifics that could have supported her hypotheses. The CDC statistics show a reasonable drop in the diagnoses of children born between 2000 and 2002. This is after the thimerosal was removed from the MMR vaccine. If there is a chance to prevent the onset of autism, shouldn’t we explore all possible variables before dismissing the
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