TV show wrong on vaccines, autism

The Jan. 31 episode of "Eli Stone" on ABC will have a negative impact on the children of our community. Its portrayal of the harmful effects of vaccinations on children confuse parents on how to protect their children. By saying that immunizations cause autism -- even if a fictional episode -- ABC is perpetuating a myth that has already caused some children to not be protected.

International medical groups and researchers have found no evidence that any part of vaccines causes autism. At the same time, its clear that the myths about vaccines are keeping some parents from agreeing to immunize their children. I encounter parents regularly who have valid questions about issues surrounding vaccines. However, media portrayals of sensational claims add "validity" in the minds of some parents to the harmful claims. In fact, in this TV episode, the jury finds in favor of the child… that he was harmed by the vaccine and developed autism.

The evidence is clear on two counts -- autism is a genetic-based disease that needs much more research and intervention. It is not caused by any preservative in a vaccine. Secondly, the media portrayals of these issues ignore the clear scientific research -- that vaccines do not harm our children.

We are all influenced by what we watch. ABC is unduly influencing parents who question whether the vaccine is harmful. In the end, they may be placing their child at risk for influenza, meningitis, or cervical cancer.

I encourage you to discuss this show with your friends and parents of young children. Vaccines protect our kids from many diseases that they are at risk of acquiring. Media like ABC/Disney are taking our children in the wrong direction.

Timothy Wall

Pediatrician

Naperville/Plainfield