I’m going to focus on aspects of the pediatric immunization controversy that could easily be a whole novel in itself (and has been), but can add layers to novels that have a pediatric character or perhaps you want to add conflict to an issue that involves a child.

Issue based novels that are preachy typically perform poorly. It has to be about characters first. A novelist who does this well is Jodi Picoult. There is generally a central issue in her novel but the characters are likely why you keep reading.

One of the largest areas in pediatrics that is a main source of controversy and angst amongs parents is whether or not to immunize their child. Much of this stems from the fear that there is a link between autism and vaccines, particularly the MMR vaccine. Thus far, no credible scientific study has proven a link between autism and any vaccine.



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Let’s start by talking about thimerosal. Thimerosal is a preservative that contained mercury that was added to vaccines. This additive has largely been removed from immunizations since 2001. It can still be found in some influenza vaccines so if you’re concerned, ask your healthcare provider about it.

However, did you know that since thimerosal has been removed from vaccines, rates of autism have continued to rise? I’m going to list some articles that talk about this revelation. Is it known among parents that this is the case? I’m not convinced.

Check out these resources:

1.http://journals.lww.com/neurotodayonline/Fulltext/2008/02070/Removing_Thimerosal_from_Vaccines_Did_Not_Reduce.6.aspx

2.http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/QuestionsaboutVaccines/UCM070430

3.http://leftbrainrightbrain.co.uk/2010/09/thimerosal-in-vaccines-did-not-cause-an-autism-epidemic/

Unfortunately, the power of celebrity is over-riding sound medical study and research in some cases. Millions in research dollars have gone to disproving and have disproved many of these vaccination myths. The question to ask now is whether or not we should continue to investigate these myths or put these limited dollars into research that actually supports the autism community in finding a cure.

Not immunizing your children has risks as well. We’ll be talking about this next post.

How can this add conflict to your novel? What if a child died from a disease that he could have been protected against but the parents chose not to immunize? Would that parent have guilt? Would the medical team caring for the child place blame on the parent? What are your thoughts?

I am very interested in comments, however, I know there is a lot of passion on both sides of this debate. So, keep it respectful and curse word free and it will stay posted– even if you disagree.