In the 'Childhood' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about vaccinations:
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Have you had some or all of the 'required' vaccinations?
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
| 1. |
"Don't know" |
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| 2. |
"I have not been vaccinated at all" |
No past vaccinations |
A risk factor |
| 3. |
"I have had vaccinations but will not have any more" |
Past vaccinations |
A risk factor |
| 4. |
"I have had vaccinations and may have more" |
Past and future vaccination |
A risk factor |
| 5. |
"Yes, and I am careful about keeping up-to-date" |
Past and future vaccination |
A risk factor |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
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| Answers |
Condition |
Comment |
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4 |
5 |
Asthma |
Findings from animal and human studies confirm that DTP (diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis) and tetanus vaccinations can induce allergic responses [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] and can increase the risk of allergies, including allergic asthma. An analysis of data from nearly 14,000 infants and children revealed that having a history of asthma is twice as great among those who were vaccinated with DTP or tetanus vaccines than among those who were not [6].
[1] Vaccine 1995;13: pp.669-73
[2] Pediatr Allergy Immunol 1997;8: pp.83-7
[3] Pediatr Allergy Immunol 1994;5: pp.118-23
[4] Adv Immunol 1996;61: pp.341-403 [review]
[5] J Allergy Clin Immunol 1974;54: pp.25-31
[6] J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000;23: pp.81-90 |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
Autism |
Studies from Europe indicate that there may be a link between the MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) vaccine and autism. [Sara Solovitch, "Do vaccines spur autism in kids?", San Jose Mercury News, May 25th, 1999] |
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3 |
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5 |
Crohn's Disease |
Based on a study of 3,545 people who received live measles vaccine as children, their rate of developing ulcerative colitis was 2.5 times higher (3 times higher for Crohn's) compared to an unvaccinated group. |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) |
Studies from Europe indicate that there may be a link between the MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) vaccine and irritable bowel syndrome. |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
Ulcerative Colitis |
Based on a study of 3,545 people who received live measles vaccine as children, their rate of developing ulcerative colitis was 2.5 times higher (3 times higher for Crohn's) compared to an unvaccinated group. |
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GLOSSARY
Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Asthma (Asthmatic)
A lung disorder marked by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, and thick mucus coming from the lungs. The episodes may be triggered by breathing foreign substances (allergens) or pollutants, infection, vigorous exercise, or emotional stress. Extrinsic Asthma is triggered by pollen, chemicals or some other external agent; Intrinsic Asthma is triggered by boggy membranes, congested tissues, or other native causes… even adrenalin stress or exertion.
Crohn's Disease (Crohn's)
Chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The most common symptoms are abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fever may also occur. Bleeding may be serious and persistent, leading to anemia.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A condition that causes upset intestines for a long period of time. It is very unpleasant to the sufferer but tends to be harmless and usually does not lead to more serious complaints. The symptoms vary from person to person and from day to day. In order to be diagnosed with IBS, a person must have at least three of the following symptoms: pain in the lower abdomen; bloating; constipation; diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation; nausea; loss of appetite; tummy rumbling; flatulence; mucous in stools; indigestion; constant tiredness; frequent urination; low back pain; painful intercourse for women.
Mumps
An acute infectious disease, caused by a paramyxovirus, and most common in children. Although it usually infects the parotid glands, and is often only a mild condition, it can spread to the testes or ovaries and cause serious problems, particularly when contracted by unresistant adults. A mild child's infection that is not properly monitored holds the potential for pancreatic or meningeal complications.
Ulcerative Colitis (Colitis Ulcerosa)
Ulceration of the colon and rectum, usually long-term and characterized by rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, frequent urgent diarrhea/bowel movements each day, abdominal pain.
Last updated: Feb 28, 2008
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