Vaxxed: The dangerous triggering of anger in parents of autistic children

Vaxxed: The dangerous triggering of anger in parents of autistic children

The filmVaxxed, directed by Dr. Andrew Wakefield, claims that officials at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intentionally withheld research data showing that the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine causes autism in African American male infants. One of these officials, Dr. William Thompson, eventually became conscientious enough to become a parent of an autistic child, Dr. Brian Hooker on how to obtain copies of suppressed research. He described Dr. Hooker the steps taken at the CDC to apparently suppress statistical evidence for the causal role of the MMR vaccine in autism. Essentially, Dr. Thompson that he and his superiors at CDC released manipulated data obtained by selectively excluding African-American children for whom birth certificates were not available. By reducing the number of children counted, the remaining data became statistically insignificant. The published data was further dismissed by suggesting that several African American male infants were vaccinated before the age of 36 months simply to qualify for additional social services. This would have reduced the likelihood of an autism diagnosis in people who receive their MMR vaccine after 36 months of age.

According to the film, CDC employees were willing to manipulate the data even though they knew the MMR vaccine would cause future children to become autistic. Essentially, they consciously chose to hide MMR's connection to autism. This disregard for identifying a cause of autism was used to frame Dr. To discredit Wakefield's earlier suggestions of such a connection. The continued occurrence of autism in African American boys was apparently more acceptable than potentially casting doubt on the CDC's previous assurance of vaccine safety. The CDC's actions were also intended to protect the profits of MMR vaccine maker Merck. This additional motivation was personal greed, as a profitable industry could potentially provide financial benefits; for example, with future employment opportunities. In fact, one of the allegedly rogue CDC employees was recruited to a very senior position at Merck.

Autism is a global tragedy for the children affected and their parents. It is somewhat callous for the film's producer and director to prey on the parents' emotions by implying that their child's illness was knowingly perpetrated by government officials. Why not tell it like it is: that government officials are simply unable to evaluate aspects of vaccine safety? Apart from Dr. Thompson can more realistically assume that CDC staff do not inherently believe that the MMR vaccine causes autism. Besides, why not further acknowledge that the film doesn't satisfactorily explain autism? This could reduce the return on their investment, but would certainly take into account the emotional well-being of parents of autistic children. Less deception in the film will also help downplay criticism generated by several mainstream researchers and journalists over several obviously erroneous statements in the film. Typically, these mainstream speakers also know relatively little about the finer details of vaccines or autism, but are likely discouraged from open and honest debate by the film's one-sided bias.

Unfounded accusations within the film also provide autism conspiracy theorists with a topic de jour to rail against their followers. These commentators thrive on controversy and polarization and do little to objectively address the real underlying issues. Rather than helping to modulate comments about the film, they may further fuel public anger and hostility toward the CDC. Individuals with impaired thinking and emotional control can be influenced by these commentators to commit violent acts against those accused of causing autism. This would be a sad price to pay in the quest for ratings and increasing attendance for the film.

I met Dr. Wakefield first met during his presentation to the House Government Reform Committee chaired by Congressman Dan Burton in April 2000. I actually walked the halls with him after his presentation and described three reasons why I thought his conclusions were wrong. I was able to attend an accompanying social event and provided my analysis to two of the people who helped organize the congressional hearing. They weren't really interested in my opinion, but were amazed at Dr. Wakefield's marquis value. They focused on how they would personally benefit from his performance and how they would soon be able to reward others financially. The result of autistic children seemed to be an afterthought.

Afterwards I spoke with Dr. Wakefield spoke at various meetings both in the United States and overseas. I consider him a friend and colleague who was unfairly punished by a heavy-handed medical establishment. I also met him at one of the screenings of the filmVaxxed. Like I Dr. Wakefield reiterated, I firmly believe that the primary cause of vaccine injury in infants is prior infection of the infant with a secretly adapted viral infection. The infection is acquired from the mother during pregnancy. While the cellular immune system does not normally respond to secretly adapted viruses, it may do so when the immune system is overly activated with vaccines. Both stealth-adapted and conventional viruses can be suppressed through a nonimmunological alternative cellular energy pathway (ACE). This pathway is mediated by a dynamic (kinetic) quality of body fluids. It can apparently be made worse by consuming activated water. Considering these issues is far more constructive than a hyped movie about manipulating essentially meaningless data in a CDC study.

It would be worthwhile if the interest generated by the film could contribute to a better public understanding of secretly adapted viruses. CDC officials have shied away from secretly adapted viruses, largely because there is strong evidence that some are derived from monkey cytomegalovirus, which is used to make polio vaccines. This issue becomes even more complex with the likely role of secretly adapted viruses in the formation of HIV, the AIDS virus. However, there is a difference between the CDC not wanting to investigate past government mistakes and actively inflicting autism on innocent infants.

Political and commercial interests have invaded public health organizations, including the CDC. Responsibility for public health issues has been largely delegated to committees that lack the willingness to engage with innovative research that challenges the status quo. Autism is a secretly adapted viral infection for which the administration of strong vaccines may be inappropriate. Means are potentially available to suppress secretly adapted viruses and these should be evaluated immediately with parental assistance. For more information, contact W. John Martin, MD, PhD. at the wjohnmartin@ccid.org

Inspired by Dr. W. John Martin, M.D., Ph.D.