Vaccinations and their resulting injuries have been the cause of heated debate for decades, particularly in the United States. As vaccinations were increasingly introduced into the population for the prevention of diseases and illnesses such as polio, measles, chickenpox, and hepatitis, concern grew as vaccine-related injuries increased. As more and more people suffered from a range of adverse reactions after vaccinations, the U.S. government implemented the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), which offers financial compensation to individuals that have suffered a vaccine injury, and VAERS, the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System, in which individuals and physicians can report documented cases of vaccine-related injuries.
There is a wide range of vaccine injuries, with the most commonplace one being injury to the shoulder as a result of receiving the injection. Symptoms of shoulder injury can include pain, limited motion of the arm, and muscle weakness. Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), an autoimmune disorder, has also been linked to vaccinations for tetanus and the flu. In cases of GBS, an individual will typically experience symptoms of pain, and weakness or tingling in the legs or extremities. As the symptoms spread throughout the body, the person loses control of reflexes, bladder and bowels, and may eventually experience difficulty walking or even breathing. Other long-term vaccine-related injuries can include paralysis, diabetes, autism, asthma, or arthritis. In babies or young children, reported symptoms of vaccine-related injuries have included Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, increased drowsiness, non-responsiveness, high fever, convulsions, hives, rashes, or sensory issues such as sensitivity to light or touch.
Although the majority of people never experience any adverse side effects, vaccinations may not be in the best interest of many other people, particularly those with certain genetic makeups or medical conditions. It is generally not advisable that people with the following conditions be vaccinated, as they may be vulnerable to vaccine-related injury:
People who are sick. Individuals with a compromised immune system, such as those with cancer or HIV, should not receive vaccinations. It is also not recommended that anyone who is ill, with or without a fever, be vaccinated, as the already overworked immune system may malfunction with the administration of a vaccination;
Pregnant women. Although few studies exist in determining the effects of vaccination during pregnancy, some have shown that fetal deaths increase by more than 4000% after pregnant women receive the flu shot, while other studies advise that women of childbearing age be tested for pregnancy before being immunized, or to wait a minimum of four weeks after vaccination before becoming pregnant;
People with autoimmune disorders. Individuals suffering from weakened immune systems as a result of diseases such as lupus, fibromyalgia, or multiple scelerosis should not receive vaccinations, as well as children born to a mother suffering from any autoimmune disorder;
People with genetic mutations. Because individuals with the MTHFR mutation tend to have greater susceptibility to metal toxins or toxins such as mold or pesticides, it is not recommended that they receive vaccinations, which typically contain bacteria, metals such as mercury or aluminum, and pollutants such as formaldehyde.
People who have had previous adverse reactions. Anyone who has had a previous vaccine injury, such as an allergic reaction or seizures, should not receive any further vaccinations.
