Jenny McCarthy (Source: wikipedia.org)
Born on November 1st, 1972, Jennifer Ann McCarthy, also known as “Jenny”, is an ex-Playboy model, television host, actress, parenting-book author, and anti-vaccine activist. Anti- what? That’s right, you read that correctly. McCarthy has been an outspoken advocate for autism research and treatment since 2007 as she believes vaccinations made her son autistic. Her views on vaccination have put her on the news, the internet, and healthcare professionals’ list of “public enemies”.
As educated science students, we all know that any claim made needs to be backed-up by clear-cut evidence. Well, Jenny McCarthy’s supporting evidence for her claim is lacking. While she may not have solid evidence on the casual relationship between vaccination and autism in children, there are many evidence-based reviews that have rejected associations made between vaccination and autism ( seethis article by F DeStefano). For example, a 2003 study done by Stehr -Green et al. concluded that results of the study is inconsistent with the hypothesis that Thimerosal-containing vaccines( such as the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine) is responsible for the rise in the number of autistic children. A Montréal study of over 27,000 children also found no relationship between the MMR immunization schedule and autism.
Linking vaccination and autism has been one of the most litigious topics in vaccine safety in the recent years. Many theories have been debunked. Some, like Dr. Andrew Wakefield, have even been sued for crossing legal boundaries in an attempt to support this anti-vaccination campaign. Click here for abc NEWS‘ report on the case.
Why am I venting about Jenny McCarthy in particular? No, please don’t get me wrong here. I know what you’re all thinking, but being an ex-Playboy model has nothing to do with her believability. The main problem with McCarthy is that she is a celebrity, meaning she is a public figure and she has a voice. We all know how powerful fame and social media is in influencing the public. In July 2013, she was announced as the new co-host of the widely popular talk show, ABC’s The View. Many critics, such as the organization Toronto Public Health, believe ABC is committing a crime when they allow McCarthy a platform to advocate for her campaign. Naturally, majority of the public is afraid that more parents will resist vaccinating their children, myself included.
As a long-time volunteer at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)’s Immunization Clinics, I am seeing the more and more parents say “no” to common vaccines such as the MMR vaccine. This is not just at one clinic; I’ve observed this at the many different clinics I have volunteered at. The MMR vaccine is given in two doses, one at 12-months of age and the other at 18-months. So the MMR immunization schedule is usually complete before children enter school. Statistics from 2011, provided by VCH, shows that only 87.5% of kindergarten children are vaccinated compared to the goal of 95%, which is the level at which the spread of disease in the community is almost impossible.
2011 Report on MMR Immunization (Source: vch.ca)
Evident from the statistics shown, this rate is slowly going down. As the aunt of an adorable niece and the most lovable nephew, I certainly do not want them, or any children to contract any of the 100% preventable diseases.
So, if you ever see or hear a debate on the link between vaccination and autism, please be a mindful scientist and remind people that while Jenny McCarthy may be famous, she is not right. There are many studies done to prove her wrong. We need to diminish her voice, her power, and let scientific evidence speak instead.
– Cindy Liang
