Whenever the topic of vaccines is brought up, it can become an emotional and sensitive subject. It is totally understandable that this is the case, and I would like to point out that this blog is meant to offer information. The purpose of this blog is not to speak about whether or not you should vaccinate your family, nor is it “pro” or “anti” vaccine. This particular blog is meant to bring forth health information in order for you to possibly put some pieces together about the health of your family.
Vaccines are made of many different kinds of ingredients and can be made in different ways, depending on the individual vaccine. First, the pathogen must be created. The pathogen will either be some bacteria or a virus, based on which vaccine is being created. They are produced in large quantities in a laboratory in infected tissue cultures or yeasts. For viral based vaccines, the strains can be grown in cells such as chicken embryos, or repeatedly reproducing cell lines. Vaccines, in general, can be a “killed” or “live” type, and the kind of immune response that is elicited is contingent upon this. Next, the antigen needs to be isolated from the growth medium, attempting to separate as much of the pathogen as possible. A purification process comes next, followed by the process of adding an adjuvant. The adjuvant is an ingredient enhance the immune response. A common adjuvant used to be thimerosal, a mercury compound, which has most recently been replaced by aluminum. Other adjuvants or excipients, can be carrier proteins/oils such as peanut oil, which we will discuss shortly. Emulsifiers, stabilizers, and preservatives are added, and finally, they are distributed in vials. The concept of vaccination is introducing the body to specific pathogens to create an immune response so that next time it encounters it, the body will have “immunity” to it, passively. More on this topic at a later date
The way that vaccines are introduced into the body has changed as well. Before the invention of the hypodermic needle in 1853, a 5 pointed instrument called a lancet was used. The hypodermic needle made it possible to inject the vaccine directly into the blood, bypassing the digestive system, which would modify the vaccine and it’s effect. More widespread use of the hypodermic needle began in the 1890s and early 1900s for many purposes, vaccine injections being one of them. Before the 1930s, the most commonly used excipient in antibiotics and vaccines was cottonseed oil. The oil emulsion excipient was used in attempts to create a time release reaction to promote a longer reactivity. In the 1940s, lower purity standards and contamination were found to be prevalent in cottonseed production. This oil was replaced with peanut oil post-WWII, as it was less expensive and easier to control purity. Even with good refining practices, trace amounts of peanut protein is present in the vaccine ingredients. The introduction of an intact protein into the blood stream will create an inflammatory response. With this being the case, a rise of peanut allergies became noticeable in the 1950s, continuing to grow in the 60s and 70s.
A huge rise was noticed in the mid to late 1990’s after the mandated childhood vaccines doubled from the 1980’s from 20 to 40 in the 90’s. More vaccines with more doses were introduced in this time frame, introducing more peanut protein into young bodies at earlier times. At this time, the digestive tract, gut lining, and blood brain barriers are all immature and highly permeable. With these systems still not fully established, the young body does not have the proper methods to metabolize, detoxify, and process the mass quantities of various ingredients. Introducing substances into young bodies before they are ready to properly manage them can contribute to sensitivities, reactions, and allergies.
We see another jump in the 2000s as the mandated vaccine schedule is increased again to 68 doses of vaccines post 9/11 events. At this point, it is found that over 1 million children are diagnosed with peanut allergy. Currently, if a child is fully vaccinated according to the CDC recommended schedule, they will receive 50 doses of 14 vaccines before the age of 6, and 69 doses of 16 vaccines by the age of 18. The cumulative effect is certainly present, and we are just talking about one ingredient here.
Now, we also need to take into account genetics, environmental factors, food, water, and stress. When we are introducing multiple doses of vaccines on a one size fits all schedule, there can be issues. We may not know what kind of genetic differences may be present from baby to baby and person to person. Environmental factors such as exposure to heavy metals, molds, toxins, poor water quality is also going to contribute to the overall health of a person. If our bodies are not yet strong or equipped enough to handle a multitude of stimuli, reactions can happen.
Some of the most common allergies include eggs, milk, wheat, peanuts, soy, and fish. As mentioned earlier, eggs are used in the development of vaccines, so the body can be exposed to egg protein as well in the blood causing an inflammatory cascade.
Strengthening the immune system of a baby and child can come from many sources such as breastfeeding, passive immunity from mom during birth, and being exposed to nature. Eating clean, whole, organic foods, filtered water, utilizing probiotics, specific Chiropractic care can all be great strategies to have a healthy child. There is no one technique, but we must think about the big picture and incorporate many practices to create, strengthen, and support a healthy immune system throughout the life span.
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