Activists Hold Event on Capitol Hill

Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Chris Smith (D-NJ) hosted a briefing on the Hill on July 17.  There were approximately 60 attendees, including many young Congressional staffers.  It did not appear that any reporters were in attendance.

David Kirby presented his usual arguments about mercury in vaccines and environmental toxins, citing various studies from the MIND Institute and the Burbacher study, while Mark Blaxill of SafeMinds talked about the “epidemic of autism” and showed charts that purported to illustrate a dramatic escalation in the prevalence of autism.

Finally, in his remarks, Rep. Chris Smith suggested that Kirby and Blaxill should testify in front of the Energy & Commerce Committee.  He said that mercury is a serious problem which is not only harming children in the US, but as the UNICEF global vaccine program is unrolled, impacting children in Africa.

Autism Clinic Practicing Alternative Therapies Shut Down for Unknown Reasons

An autism clinic in Austin, TX was raided by the FBI and IRS this week.  Neither agency has announced why.  The CARE Clinics offer alternative treatments for children with autism, including chelation.

The autism blog Left Brain/Right Brain has noted that CARE Clinics is also being sued by an adult who claims he was falsely diagnosed with heavy metal poisoning at the clinic after his tests returned from Doctors Data.

NVAC and IACC Hold Joint Meeting

On July 15, IACC hosted a joint meeting with the NVAC Vaccine Safety Working Group to discuss vaccine safety and the feasibility of a vaccinated-vs.-unvaccinated study.  Afterwards, the NVAC held five closed-door panel discussions for information-gathering purposes to “review the current federal vaccine safety system and develop a White Paper describing the infrastructure needs for a federal vaccine system to fully characterize the safety profile of vaccines in a timely manner, reduce adverse events whenever possible, and maintain and improve public confidence in vaccine safety.”

Resignation from Autism Speaks Highlights Growing Discontent with Group’s Vaccine Policies

Last week, Dr. Eric London announced his resignation from the scientific advisory board of Autism Speaks.  Dr. London was co-founder of the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR), an organization that merged with Autism Speaks.

Dr. London declared, “…the pivotal issue compelling my decision is the position which Autism Speaks is taking concerning vaccinations.  The arguments which Dr. Dawson and others assert–that the parents need even further assurances and there might be rare cases of ‘biologically plausible’ vaccine involvement–are misleading and disingenuous.  Through its website and other communications, Autism Speaks has been influential and contributory in encouraging parents’ doubts.  By preferentially investing and advocating for the use of limited financial resources on the ‘biological plausibility’ argument, the organization is adversely impacting the advancement of autism research.”

Science ran an article on the resignation in this week’s edition, outlining the growing disagreement in the autism community regarding vaccines.

Flu Summit Focuses on H1N1 Preparedness

An influenza summit meeting held in Washington, D.C., focused on preparations for H1N1 this week.  Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius announced that the federal government will fully fund any vaccination program that is launched this fall.  School children are expected to be a key population for vaccination and may even be immunized in schools.

Measles Outbreak in Brooklyn

The New York Post reported on Monday that there’s been an outbreak of measles in Brooklyn.  So far it has affected 11 people: nine children and two adults.  It’s not certain how the outbreak began, but it has been reported that none of the patients had been fully vaccinated against measles.

H1N1 Coverage Continues

News outlets across the country continue to track the progress of the H1N1 flu virus, and predict its future impact.  John Barry, author of The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History, wrote an opinion piece for the Washington Post, pointing out that it is largely a waiting game for scientists and health officials.  Until the flu season returns this fall, we can only monitor the virus’ mutations and try our best to develop an effective vaccine.

The Associated Press is reporting that as many as one million people may have contracted swine flu in the U.S.  Up to six percent of urban areas may be infected.  The numbers are still much lower than seasonal flu, which can infect between 15 and 60 million Americans each year.

Huffington Post Publishes Second Article in Series by Dr. Karp

Dr. Harvey Karp, pediatrician and popular author of The Happiest Baby on the Block, has published his second article on vaccines and autism on the Huffington Post.  In this installment, Dr. Karp addresses several common myths connecting vaccines to autism, including misconceptions about the recommended immunization schedule.

Dr. Karp’s third and final piece in the series will be posted soon.

New Recommendations Issued by ACIP, CDC

The CDC is reinstating its recommendation that children receive a booster shot against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).  Beginning July 1, there will be enough Hib vaccine to ensure all children have access to the additional shot.

Additionally, the ACIP has voted unanimously to reduce the recommended rabies vaccination series to just four shots.  The committee reviewed information demonstrating that 1,000 Americans who are exposed to rabies each year receive just three or four of the shots, instead of the previously recommended five, yet did not develop the disease.

Children First in Line for New Vaccine

Officials have announced that children may be the first to receive a new H1N1 flu vaccine due this fall. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius suggested the government may use schools as “shot clinics” to ensure all children are protected against the disease. British health experts are considering similar plans.

The Value of Vaccines Touted

Both TIME magazine and MSN Health recognized the important role vaccines play in our health.

In its special health report edition, TIME offered tips on staying healthy during every stage of life. Each stage included vaccines. MSN Health choose to pick the eight most important vaccines and included measles, rotavirus, pertussis, polio and smallpox.

Newsweek Story Continues Shelf Life

Newsweek’s cover story on Oprah Winfrey has continued to attract attention this week. High profile blogs such as Daily Kos continue to berate Oprah’s coverage of health issues while newspapers including the Toronto Star have run opinion pieces on the issue.

Dr. Deepak Chopra defended Oprah on his Huffington Post blog. He opines, “Patients aren’t supposed to know more than their physicians. The fact that they often do, at least insofar as alternative treatment goes, is both a sign of hope and cause for distress.” Respectful Insolence blogger Orac has shot back, calling Chopra’s alternative treatments, “not science-based. It’s mystical, prescientific superstition.”

Newsweek has also published a mixed bag of letters responding to the article.

NVAC Feasibility Study Stirs Interest

Last week, the National Vaccine Advisory Committee recommended an independent third party conduct a feasibility study on whether a vaccinated versus unvaccinated children study could be conducted. This decision has sparked some interest among activists online.

Both David Kirby and Dr. Bob Sears have responded to the announcement. While Kirby viewed the announcement “as a healthy sign of a responsive — and responsible - government,” Dr. Sears was less inclined to believe it was a step in the right direction. “Finally, after years of public pressure, the government has agreed to do the research,” he wrote. “Maybe.”

Coverage of Pertussis Exemption Study Continues

A Pediatrics piece examining the rate of whooping cough in children who are not immunized against the disease has continued to garner coverage this week. The New York Times wrote a brief summary for their “Vital Signs” segment while medical ethicist Dr. Janet D. Stemwedel questions whether “vaccine refuseniks are free-riders.”

NEJM Features Vaccine Court

This week, the New England Journal of Medicine ran two pieces on the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Dr. Ross D. Silverman’s article looks at the importance of childhood immunizations and the various mechanisms that have been created in order to ensure immunization rates remain high. Ms. Alexandra M. Stewart takes a deeper dive on the recent Omnibus Autism Proceedings decision, summarizing the verdicts and next steps for Petitioners.

Dr. Harvey Karp on Huffington Post

The Huffington Post, home to regular bloggers such as David Kirby and Dr. Jay Gordon, has posted an excellent piece by pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp. The article is the first of three, all of which examine the arguments of vaccine refusers and the reasons why their fears are unfounded. We will continue to follow this series as it is published.

Rotavirus Vaccine Recommended by WHO

The World Health Organization has officially recommended that every child in the world receive the rotavirus vaccine. A universal vaccination program could save the lives of half a million children around the world. The announcement means that donations can now be used to purchase and administer the vaccine.

Newsweek Feeds Debate on Oprah’s Questionable Health Advice

Newsweek’s cover this week features a picture of Oprah Winfrey with the headline “Crazy Talk: Oprah, Wacky Cures & You.” The article examines several guests on The Oprah Winfrey Show including Jenny McCarthy and Suzanne Somers, questioning the advice offered as cures to the show’s 40 million weekly viewers.

The reporters note that “Oprah, who holds up her guests as prophets, can’t seem to tell the difference [between useful information and 'nonsense']…Instead, all too often Oprah winds up putting herself and her trusting audience in the hands of celebrity authors and pop-science artists pitching wonder cures and miracle treatments that are questionable or flat-out wrong, and sometimes dangerous.”

This piece has prompted critiques from some of the most high profile outlets. CNN’s Showbiz Tonight, CBS News’ The Early Show and even The Colbert Report on Comedy Central have added their voices to the debate.

Philadelphia Magazine Defines the Real Heroes in Vaccine-Autism Debate

A feature article on Dr. Paul Offit has appeared in Philadelphia Magazine. The story examines Dr. Offit’s fight to ensure children are vaccinated despite anti-vaccine critics.

Minnesota Paper Details the Dangers of Not Vaccinating

City Pages, a paper in Minneapolis, Minnesota, chronicles the devastating ordeal Brendalee Flint endured as she watched her daughter, Julieanna, suffer from Hib. Flint recounts signing permission for emergency brain surgery for her daughter, asking a priest to read Julieanna’s last rites, and finally watching her daughter slowly begin to recover from the disease. Unknown to her parents, Julieanna had an immune disorder which prevented her Hib vaccine from working. While Julieanna has lost all of the skills she once learned, from basic words to chewing her food, Flint continues to hope for a full recovery.

The reporter also investigates why exemption rates have risen in Minnesota and the history of the disproven theory that vaccines cause autism.

NVAC and ACCV Updates

The National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) met this Tuesday and Wednesday in part to vote for and approve the ISO Draft Research Agenda. The most notable items from the agenda include a feasibility review for the “vaccinated vs. unvaccinated” study to be conducted by the IOM and a recommendation to study children with mitochondrial disease and other metabolic disorders.

The NVPO is reviewing the public comments on the National Vaccine Plan; some have already been incorporated into the draft. Additionally, the IOM has been holding workshops with national stakeholders to review the draft update of the plan and intends to issue a report with conclusions and recommendations by November 2009.

The Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines (ACCV) also met this week. Mark Rogers of the Department of Justice noted that there has been an uptick in autism case dismissals since the Theory 1 OAP decisions were announced, most of which were voluntary.

The appeals for the Omnibus Theory 1 decisions have been scheduled as follows: Hazelhurst on June 11; Cedillo on July 7; and Snyder on July 29. The post hearing briefs for Theory 2 have been filed and submitted to the Special Masters.

Pediatrics Study Exposes Dangers of Vaccine Exemptions

A study published in the June issue of Pediatrics discovered that children who are not immunized against whooping cough are 23 times more likely to contract the disease.

Much like the New England Journal of Medicine study on exemptors published earlier this month, the Pediatrics study, entitled “Parental Refusal of Pertussis Vaccination Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Pertussis Infection in Children,” received extensive coverage in the media. NBC’s “The Today Show” aired a segment and every major daily newspaper and wire service carried the story.

Outlets in Denver and Minneapolis used it as an opportunity to editorialize on the importance of vaccinations.

Oprah Documentary Reignites Blogger Outrage

An hour long documentary, “The Oprah Effect,” premiered last night, examining three businesses that Oprah Winfrey recommended on her show. The Chicago Tribune’s TV blog notes that “Winfrey’s seal of approval hasn’t just transformed businesses whose products appear on her annual ‘Favorite Things’ list, it’s also led to a wave of spinoff programs from the media titan’s Harpo Productions.” The post goes on to mention Jenny McCarthy’s deal with Oprah and notes, “McCarthy has said she is not ‘anti-vaccine’ and that she is advocating for improved vaccines. But she said in an interview on Oprah.com that if she ‘had another child, I would not vaccinate.’”

Bloggers have used this documentary as another opportunity to voice their concerns about Oprah’s support of Jenny McCarthy and her belief that vaccines cause autism. Dr. Janet Stemwedel, who writes a blog on ethics and science, wonders, “Is it acceptable to give any guest you please a soapbox without taking a position on the opinions they voice from that soapbox? Is reading official statements from the CDC and AAP enough ‘balance’ to Jenny McCarthy’s views on vaccines, or do you think the ‘Oprah Winfrey Show’ needs to do more? And, if Oprah and her producers are aware of the Oprah effect (which, really, they have to be, right?), should that awareness of their reach lead them to try to meet a higher ethical standard as far as the foreseeable consequences for giving Jenny McCarthy a soapbox?”

NVAC and ACCV Meet Next Week

The National Vaccine Advisory Meeting will take place in Washington, D.C. next Tuesday and Wednesday, June 2-3. To view the agenda, please click here. Pre-registration is required for both public attendance and comment. Those who wish to attend the meeting and/or participate in the public comment session should either e-mail nvpo@hhs.gov or call 202-690-5566 to register.

The Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines (ACCV) meeting is on Thursday and Friday, June 4 - 5. To view the agenda, please click here. For further information, or to register to attend, please contact Michelle Herzog at 301-443-6593 or by e-mail at mherzog@hrsa.gov.

Media Backlash Against Celebrity Medicine Continues

The latest issue of Readers’ Digest was the first of many outlets this week to question the trend of celebrities offering medical advice. The article sets the record straight on vaccines and autism, quoting various doctors, including Dr. Nancy Snyderman’s thoughts on Jenny McCarthy’s campaign: “Jenny McCarthy is very well-spoken, but the science is not on her side…I worry that children are going to pay for this with their lives.”

Several Canadian outlets also picked up the story. The Vancouver Sun notes that “while Jenny McCarthy and other celebrities might have popular appeal, if we really want to know the truth about vaccines, and if we’re really committed to protecting public health, it’s better to look at the science.” The National Post reports that “[p]ediatric associations in Canada and the United States are worried that the actress and former Playboy bunny, Jenny McCarthy, will use a new deal with Oprah to promote her emotionally resonant vaccine-skeptical views, despite the fact that they are not scientifically backed.”

Tribune Runs Series on Dangerous Treatments

This week, the Chicago Tribune ran four articles denouncing the work of father-son team the Geiers and Dr. Mayer Eisenstein, coinciding with the Autism One conference in Chicago. Jenny McCarthy is the keynote speaker.

Two of the articles examine the use of Lupron in treating autistic children. Simon Baron-Cohen is quoted, declaring that “[t]he idea of using it with vulnerable children with autism, who do not have a life-threatening disease and pose no danger to anyone, without a careful trial to determine the unwanted side effects or indeed any benefits, fills me with horror.” Other experts agree, worrying about long-term effects on the children. Dr. Mark Geier defends his treatment by saying, “I wasn’t worried about whether he would have children when he is 25 years old. If you want to call it a nasty name, call it chemical castration. If you want to call it something nice, say you are lowering testosterone.”

The second series exposes malpractice at Dr. Mayer Eisenstein’s Homefirst practice, noting the many lawsuits that have been filed against the practice over the years. The piece notes that “Eisenstein, who calls the American Academy of Pediatrics the ‘American Academy of Pharmaceuticals,’ dismisses the many peer-reviewed studies that failed to find a link between autism and vaccines as ‘fake studies.’”

Other outlets, including NPR, have now picked up the story.

Please click on an article below to read each:
• “‘Miracle drug’ called junk science”
• “Physician team’s crusade shows cracks”
• “Autism doctor: Troubling record trails doctor treating autism”
• “Dr. Peter Rosi places blame on some parents for their babies’ deaths”

Blogs Continue to Attack Oprah

Bloggers have continued to criticize Oprah this week for her multimedia deal with Jenny McCarthy. Science bloggers have started a letter writing campaign, requesting their readers to contact Oprah and ask her to get the facts about vaccines and autism.

Dr. Rahul Parikh, a contributor to Salon.com, has taken issue with Oprah for her health advice beyond vaccines in an article titled, “Oprah’s bad medicine.” He notes that, “Her weekday show reaches millions of people, while each doctor can reach only one patient at a time. That could easily be corrected by Winfrey providing more thought and balance in her medical advice.”

Even popular, humorous sites such as Cracked.com, which attracts over 2 million readers a month, have taken issue with Oprah. Cracked contributor Daniel O’Brien has asked his readers to stop listening to Jenny McCarthy and is concerned that Oprah has given her such a large platform.

Maryland Case Against Thimerosal Thrown Out

Maryland’s Court of Appeals have ruled that experts in a case against Wyeth did not have the “knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education, primarily in the field of epidemiology, to proffer reliable expert testimony on matters of complex and novel scientific inquiry, such as whether a causal connection exists between the preservative thimerosal and autism.” The case was originally dismissed in a Baltimore court in January 2008. You can read more about the case and opinion on Law.com.

West Virginia Mother Sues for Vaccine Exemptions

Jennifer Workman, whose 6-year-old is unvaccinated, has sued for the right to a religious exemption. Until a ruling is issued, she will have to home school her daughter. Currently, West Virginia only allows medical exemptions. This has received limited media attention.

President Obama Names CDC Director

President Obama announced today that he has selected New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. Frieden to serve as the next Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This appointment does not require Senate confirmation and he is expected to begin his new role at the agency next month. An infectious disease specialist, Dr. Frieden has served as New York’s top health official for the past seven years under Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.

NEJM Study Shows Vaccine Refusers Increase Risk of Infectious Diseases for All

A New England Journal of Medicine study released this week determined that increasing vaccine exemption rates are leading to outbreaks of disease. According to the authors, “Children with exemptions from school immunization requirements (a measure of vaccine refusal) are at increased risk for measles and pertussis and can infect others who are too young to be vaccinated, cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, or were vaccinated but did not have a sufficient immunologic response.”

The media has been quick to pick up this story. Positive coverage includes Reuters, Bloomberg, and the Wall Street Journal.

Jenny McCarthy Wraps Up Media Tour, Signs Deal with Oprah

Jenny McCarthy’s final official media tour appearance for Healing and Preventing Autism aired on The Doctors this Wednesday. She appeared alongside co-author Dr. Jerry Kartzinel and Generation Rescue’s JB Handley, who got into a heated debate with co-host Dr. Travis Stork. The hosts did read a strong statement from the AAP. It was revealed that McCarthy and her team refused to allow a representative of the AAP to appear with them.

Earlier in the week, Reuters was the first to announce a deal between Jenny McCarthy and Harpo, Oprah Winfrey’s production company. The contract involves multiple platforms, including a possible talk show hosted by McCarthy. The actress has already begun blogging on Oprah’s web site.

The celebrity bloggers have not been impressed by this announcement. Gawker, a blog with over 2 million visitors a month, criticized the move saying, “Oh, good, Oprah is going to give Jenny McCarthy a talk show, because she wants your kid to die of the measles.” Other news-based blogs were equally dismayed. Arthur Allen of Slate.com asked Oprah to “think of the children” while Discover Magazine criticized the talk show host and media mogul for going “way, way too far.”

Additional plans for McCarthy’s deal have not been announced.

AAP Stands Behind Vaccines

Dr. David Tayloe, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, addressed the topic of vaccines in his regular letter for AAP News. In the piece, Dr. Tayloe emphasizes that, “Our vaccine safety system is excellent… Immunizations continue to be the hottest issue for our members, and the Academy will continue to do its best to assure the timely immunization of all children in a medical home.”

NVAC Safety Working Group Presents Draft Recommendations

The NVAC met yesterday via teleconference to discuss the draft ISO safety research agenda. The entire presentation as well as the recommendations can be found on their site. Most notably, a feasibility study of a vaccinated vs. unvaccinated study was proposed. Some of the research recommendations included exploring whether influenza vaccines or the meningococcal conjugate vaccine are associated with increased risk for Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Public comment was available, but only Jim Moody from SafeMinds and Rebecca Estepp from Talk About Curing Autism spoke. Mr. Moody suggested that the NIH National Children’s Study which would include about 5,000 unvaccinated children and span about 20 years would be a good way to conduct the vaccinated vs. unvaccinated study.

The NVAC will meet again to vote on the research agenda on June 2nd and 3rd.