Child Development and Public Health

One public health topic that is of interest to me is immunization. This topic is extremely important to me and the work that I conduct. Although it has not been proven without a doubt, over immunization is believed to be a cause of autism. As stated in an article by Boodman (2011), research conducted by Andrew Wakefield and other scientists strongly suggests that the MMR vaccination is directly linked to the development of autism.  Although this vaccination does not directly cause the disorder, it does activate a gene responsible for autism in many children. Since part of my work deals directly with autistic children this topic and research directly applies to me and my clients.  Knowing this information can provide some of my clients with piece of mind and assist me and parents in the process of treating their children through the use of social stories.

Immunization is not only a common practice utilized in the United States. It is also a common practice in many countries around the world. In fact, the country of Mexico has been found to be more effective at issuing immunizations to their children than the United States (“Mexico More Effective”, 2002). In the country of Mexico, parents have reached a child immunization rate of 96 percent compared to the immunization rate of 79 percent in children aged two and under (“Mexico More Effective”, 2002).

Several things were learned through this blog assignment and reviewing this research. The first thing that was learned was that vaccinations are a necessary part of life in order to prevent the spread and development of disease around the world. If a child is not vaccinated, he or she runs the risk of contracting chronic disease and illness. This, in turn, can impact his or her growth and development. At the same time, immunization or over immunization can cause a disorder in children that comprises his or her well-being, growth, and development. Until more research has been conducted on the matter linking autism to the MMR vaccination, it is still in the best interest of all parents to obtain these vaccinations for their children. Finally, the assumption that the United States was the most efficient country in immunization and vaccination was dispelled. In the future, the topic of immunization can have a positive and negative impact on my profession. If vaccinations are found to be the cause of autism, it could provide myself and my clients with the information needed to treat and educate their children. At the same time, it could mean that fewer children could develop autism. Although this is wonderful, it could mean less of a chance for me to share my skills and stories with parents that are in need.

References

Boodman, S. (2011, January). Seth Mnookin’s ‘The Panic Virus’ on Debate over Vaccine Use. The Washington Post. Retrieved January 15, 2011 from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/14/AR2011011403736.html.

Mexico More Effective than U.S. at Immunizing Children. (2002). Vaccination News. Retrieved January 15, 2011 from http://www.vaccinationnews.com/DailyNews/December2002/MexicoMore22.htm.