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"There is a lot of misinformation on the internet, controversies about whether autism is caused by vaccines or some substance. How do you respond to these people? Does the child develop Asperger's from the vaccine?" asked Loredana Iriciuc.
The answer came from Dr. Ioana Georgescu, a specialist in pediatric psychiatry, who clarified the situation: "Absolutely not! The myth that vaccines cause autism primarily originates from a study published in 1998 in the medical journal 'The Lancet,' which claimed there was a link between the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) and the onset of autism in children."
Dr. Georgescu continued by explaining that subsequent research has failed to replicate the initial study's results.
"Subsequent research has NOT been able to reproduce the study's results.
Furthermore, a journalistic investigation revealed serious irregularities in the study's methodology, including data manipulation and undisclosed conflicts of interest (the author had financial interests in developing alternative tests to the MMR vaccine).
As a result, in 2010, 'The Lancet' officially retracted the study due to the fraud and errors discovered", explained the pediatric psychiatry specialist.
PHOTO: freepik.com @EyeEm
During Părinți Prezenți, a show by ParintisiPitici.ro, Dr. Ioana Georgescu provided additional explanations regarding the controversies related to vaccines and autism.
"Several large and rigorous studies have been conducted since then. The consistent conclusion has been that there is NO link between vaccines and autism", stated the pediatric psychiatry specialist.
Dr. Ioana Georgescu emphasized that, unfortunately, the initial study published in 1998 in the medical journal The Lancet had a significant impact and caused widespread panic among parents. This panic led to decreased vaccination rates and an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases.
"Unfortunately, the study had a significant impact and caused widespread panic among parents, leading to decreased vaccination rates and an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases.
The myth has persisted and continues to be fueled by certain anti-vaccination groups and social media.
The study was fraudulent, false, and the myth has been perpetuated through misinformation and unfounded fears, despite evidence proving that vaccines are safe and not linked to autism", added Dr. Ioana Georgescu.
These clarifications are essential to combat misinformation and encourage parents to rely on credible sources and scientific evidence when making decisions about their children's health.
PHOTO: freepik.com @PlaceboPill
Dr. Georgescu stated that the reason why it was believed that vaccines caused autism was thimerosal.
"This is a mercury-based preservative used in vaccines, involved in the controversy. Thimerosal contains ethylmercury, which is different from methylmercury. This more toxic compound accumulates in the body and is associated with mercury poisoning.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, concerns arose about cumulative mercury exposure from multiple sources, including thimerosal in vaccines.
There were fears that it could pose a health risk to children, including the risk of developing autism.
The conclusions of numerous studies have consistently shown no link between thimerosal and autism", Dr. Ioana Georgescu explained.
PHOTO: freepik.com @philipimage
"In 1999, as a precautionary measure to reduce cumulative mercury exposure, public health authorities in the United States, including the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), recommended the removal of thimerosal from children's vaccines", said Dr. Georgescu.
Dr. Georgescu emphasized that since then, most children's vaccines no longer contain thimerosal or contain only insignificant traces: "With current technology, they are much safer now than they were 30-40 years ago."
However, Dr. Ioana Georgescu highlighted an alarming statistic: "According to CDC data, the prevalence of autism has increased by 317% from 2000 to 2020. Currently, one in 36 children is affected."
The doctor also explained another important aspect contributing to parents' confusion. "Additionally, children with ASD usually experience a regression after the age of one - one and a half years, meaning they lose cognitive and language skills acquired up to that point, leading parents to believe there is a causal link between the vaccine given at age 1 and this incident, which is false."
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