It’s surprising that we even have to ask this question. Many parents, medical professionals, and public figures, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are voicing concerns as the number of vaccines recommended for infants and children continues to rise. In the 1950s, I received just two vaccines; by the 1970s, my son received nine by age 18. Today, children may receive over 30 vaccines by age two and nearly 70 by 18.
The 2024 CDC vaccine schedule includes various vaccines for children by age two, such as Hepatitis B, RSV, Rotavirus, Diphtheria, and more. These vaccines often contain multiple strains of viruses and bacteria, along with additives like aluminum, formaldehyde, and DNA particles from various sources. Given these factors, we must question whether all these shots still serve their original purpose: to combat easily spreadable diseases.
My concern about the Hepatitis B vaccine began in 1997 when it became a requirement for school attendance in Colorado. I wanted to know: Is Hepatitis B an epidemic among children? Do newborns really need a vaccine for a sexually transmitted disease? I reached out to various experts for insights.
Are Newborns at Risk for Hepatitis B?
The CDC advises administering the Hepatitis B vaccine to newborns within 24 hours of birth, with additional doses at 2 and 4 months. A media campaign in Colorado emphasized the dangers of Hepatitis B, claiming newborns were at risk. However, data from the Colorado Health Department showed that cases of Hepatitis B in young children were extremely rare—often occurring only in those whose mothers were infected.
After questioning the misleading information, the state removed the controversial advertisements. Yet, the vaccine continued to be administered without sufficient awareness among parents about its necessity.
Is Hepatitis B Contagious in Schools?
Vaccines for Hepatitis B were mandated because the initial dose's efficacy wanes by grade school. However, the CDC states that Hepatitis B is not highly communicable in typical environments, primarily affecting adults involved in high-risk behaviors. Reports showed very few cases among children, suggesting that a mass vaccination policy may not be justified.
How Serious Is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B typically leads to mild symptoms in most individuals, with a recovery rate of 95%. Fatalities are exceedingly rare, and the disease is not considered a significant threat to children’s health overall.
What About Vaccine Safety?
The first Hepatitis B vaccine was licensed in 1986, but safety studies were limited, often only lasting a few days post-vaccination. There have been no comprehensive long-term studies examining the impact of multiple vaccines given simultaneously. Concerns over adverse reactions have been raised by researchers and parents alike, with reports of autoimmune disorders following vaccination in some children.
Why Is the Vaccine Promoted?
During a visit to my doctor, I inquired about the necessity of the Hepatitis B vaccine for infants. He acknowledged that if the mother is uninfected, the vaccine may not be necessary. However, financial incentives for healthcare providers to ensure children are fully vaccinated have led to the promotion of this and other vaccines.
Who Decides Vaccine Mandates?
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the vaccination schedule, yet many members have ties to the pharmaceutical industry, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
Efforts to Remove Hepatitis B Vaccine Requirements
To challenge the Hepatitis B vaccine requirement in Colorado, I sought legislative support. Despite significant testimony against the vaccine from experts and affected families, the effort to remove it from the school requirement list was unsuccessful. This experience highlighted the challenges faced by parents seeking to reclaim control over their children’s health.
What Can You Do?
If you share concerns about this issue, many states offer opt-out provisions for health, religious, or personal reasons. With some states moving to eliminate these exemptions, many parents are choosing homeschooling instead. It’s crucial to educate yourself about vaccines, advocate for your child’s health, and communicate with your elected representatives. Ultimately, the decision about vaccinations should lie with informed parents, not the government or pharmaceutical companies.