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FOOLING OURSELVES ON THE VALUE OF VACCINES OURSELVES FOOLING 'ALUE ‘ACCINES THE Analysis of statistical data confirms that the death rates for major illnesses such as measles, diphtheria and whooping cough were in significant decline long before vaccines aimed at preventing these diseases were even introduced. here is a belief which lies at the heart of vaccination, one which predicates all discussion, investigation and appraisal of it. The importance of this belief is not generally appreciated; but not only is it the foundation of vaccination, it also serves as one of the cornerstones of the temple of modern medicine. If it moves, the walls of the temple shake and devotees rush to stay the structure. While the stone stays firm, we continue forging opinion, formulating hypotheses, conducting “research and review" and even building policy upon it. So what is this belief, and why is it so powerful? More importantly, how does it shape our community? Beliefs About Our Past It was October 1996. Charley (on the cover of my earlier book Vaccination — A Parent's Dilemma) would be born in five weeks. My hearing in the Human Rights Commission concerning my unvaccinated children being banned from child care by the local council had concluded a little under three months earlier and | was eagerly awaiting the decision. It would take a further three months to arrive. A friend called excitedly to tell me that Norman Swan's “The Health Report" (Radio National ABC) was broadcasting a special show on vaccination that night and was promising to air both sides of the debate. "Who's Norman Swan?" | asked. The caller gasped disbelief at my ignorance before assuring me, "This guy will do a good job". | jotted down the particulars and went about finding a radio. For those who share my past radio ignorance, Dr Norman Swan is a highly regarded paediatrician. He is also a multi-award-winning broadcaster, having received the Australian Radio Producer of the Year award in 1984, among many other accolades and recognitions. I caught the show. It opened dramatically. Church music played while the presenter, Sharon Carleton, wandered through a graveyard reading from headstones...’ "To the memory of Alice Ellen Olivia, who died November 10th, 1874, aged 1 year and 16 days. Also Frederic Charles, died November 14th, 1877, aged 2 years and 9 months. The beloved children of... Walter Charles, died 19th October 1883, aged 7 months. Frances Martha Roper, died May 12th, 1860, aged 17 months. Also John Joseph Roper, died 1862, aged 9 months... "A stroll through any Australian cemetery provides a silent reminder of how often families in the past mourned their very young. What these weathered old headstones don't tell us, of course, is what caused the children's deaths: scarlet fever, measles perhaps, diphtheria, whooping cough. A century ago they were all common, often fatal, childhood diseases." Then cuts in the voice of authority: "What changed...was that we introduced immunisation. Immunisation has prevented more suffering and saved more lives than any other medical intervention in this century, even antibiotics." by Greg Beattie © 2011 Email: admin@vaccinationdilemma.com Website: http://vaccinationdilemma.com Edited extract from chapter one ("The Belief") of his e-book Fooling Ourselves on the Fundamental Value of Vaccines Email: admin@vaccinationdilemma.com Website: http://vaccinationdilemma.com Edited extract from chapter one ("The Belief") of his e-book Fooling Ourselves on the Fundamental Value of Vaccines APRIL - MAY 2011 NEXUS ¢ 29 by Greg Beattie © 2011 www.nexusmagazine.com