Deadly Choices: How the Anti-Vaccine Movement Threatens Us All

by Paul A. Offit M. D.

  20 AAP emergency meeting: “DTP Vaccine Shortage,” Summary of February 12, 1985, meeting hosted by the AAP; summary generously provided by Dr. Bruce Weninger, CDC.

  20 Kevin Toner: Toner v. Lederle Laboratories, 112 Idaho 328.

  20 Lederle drops out: M. H. Smith, “National Childhood Vaccine Injury Compensation Act,” Pediatrics 82 (1988): 264-269.

  21 Companies stop making other vaccines: Ibid.

  21 Congress passes National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act: Allen, Vaccine, 286.

  21 Reagan signs bill into law: Ibid., 287.

  21 Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: E. W. Kitch, G. Evans, and R. Gopin, “U.S. Law,” in Vaccines, 3rd ed., eds. S. A. Plotkin and W. A. Orenstein (Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 1999).

  21 Edward Brandt: Quoted in Allen, Vaccine, 281.

  22 AMA dissatisfied: Ibid., 282.

  22 Henry Waxman: Quoted in Colgrove, State of Immunity, 215.

  22 Decline in lawsuits: E. W. Kitch, G. Evans, and R. Gopin, “U.S. Law,” in Vaccines, 3rd ed., eds. S. A. Plotkin and W. A. Orenstein (Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 1999).

  3. A Crude Brew

  25 Gordon Stewart regarding crude brew: DPT: Vaccine Roulette, WRC-TV, Washington, D.C., April 19, 1982.

  25 Kendrick and Eldering vaccine: P. Kendrick, G. Eldering, and A. Borowski, “A Study in Active Immunization Against Pertussis,” American Journal of Hygiene 29 (1939): 133-153.

  26 Pertussis proteins: K. M. Edwards and M. D. Decker, “Pertussis Vaccines,” in Vaccines, 5th ed., eds. S. A. Plotkin, W. A. Orenstein, and P. A. Offit (London: Elsevier/Saunders, 2008).

  26 Immunological challenges in vaccines: P. A. Offit, J. Quarles, M. A. Gerber, et al., “Addressing Parents’ Concerns: Do Multiple Vaccines Overwhelm or Weaken the Infant’s Immune System?” Pediatrics 109 (2002): 124-129.

  27 Larry Baraff regarding reason for study: DPT: Vaccine Roulette, WRC-TV, Washington, D.C., April 19, 1982.

  27 Baraff study: C. L. Cody, L. J. Baraff, J. D. Cherry, et al., “Nature and Rates of Adverse Reactions Associated with DTP and DT Immunizations in Infants and Children,” Pediatrics 68 (1981): 650-660.

  28 Baraff regarding safer vaccine: DPT: Vaccine Roulette, WRC-TV, Washington, DC, April 19, 1982.

  29 Geier paper: M. R. Geier, H. Stanboro, and C. R. Merril, “Endotoxin in Commercial Vaccine,” Applied Environmental Microbiology 36 (1978): 445-449.

  29 Endotoxin: T. Gutsmann, A. B. Schromm, and K. Brandenburg, “The Physicochemistry of Endotoxins in Relation to Bioactivity,” International Journal of Medical Microbiology 297 (2007): 341-352; S. M. Opal, “The Host Response to Endotoxin, Antilipopolysaccharide Strategies, and the Management of Severe Sepsis,” International Journal of Medical Microbiology 297 (2007): 365-377; S. F. Lowry, “Human Endotoxemia: A Model for Mechanistic Insight and Therapeutic Targeting,” Shock 24 (2005): 94-100.

  29 Medical Research Council study: S. Bedson et al., “Vaccination Against Whooping Cough: Report to the Medical Research Council,” British Medical Journal 2 (1956): 454-462.

  29 EEG study: B. Hellström, “Electroencephalographic Studies in Triple-Immunized Infants,” British Medical Journal 2 (1962): 1089-1091.

  29 North West Thames Region study: T. M. Pollack and J. Morris, “A 7-Year Survey of Disorders Attributed to Vaccination in North West Thames Region,” The Lancet 1 (1983): 753-757.

  30 Neuropathological study: J.A.N. Corsellis, I. Janoti, and A. K. Marshall, “Immunization Against Whooping Cough: A Neuropathological Review,” Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology 9 (1983): 261-270.

  30 Denmark study: W. D. Shields, C. Nielson, D. Buch, et al., “Relationship of Pertussis Immunization to the Onset of Neurologic Disorders: A Retrospective Epidemiologic Study,” Journal of Pediatrics 113 (1988): 801-805.

  30 Group Health Cooperative study: A. M. Walker, H. Jick, D. R. Perera, et al., “Neurologic Events Following Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Immunization,” Pediatrics 81 (1988): 345-349.

  30 Griffin study: M. R. Griffin, W. A. Ray, E. A. Mortimer, et al., “Risk of Seizures and Encephalopathy After Immunization with the Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine,” Journal of the American Medical Association 263 (1990): 1641-1645.

  30 British Pediatric Association and Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization: J. D. Cherry, “Pertussis Vaccine Encephalopathy: It Is Time to Recognize It as the Myth That It Is,” Journal of the American Medical Association 263 (1990): 1679-1680; Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization, Minister of National Health and Welfare, National Advisory Committee on Immunization, Canadian Immunization Guide, 3rd ed. (Ottawa, Canada: Minister of National Health and Welfare, Health Protection Branch, 1989), 78-83.

  31 Copenhagen study: T. Madsen, “Vaccination Against Whooping Cough,” Journal of the American Medical Association 101 (1933): 187-188.

  31 Golden review: G. S. Golden, “Pertussis Vaccine and Injury to the Brain,” Journal of Pediatrics 116 (1990): 854-861. Italics added for emphasis.

  31 James Cherry and myth: J. D. Cherry, “Pertussis Vaccine Encephalopathy: It Is Time to Recognize It as the Myth That It Is,” Journal of the American Medical Association 263 (1990): 1679-1680.

  31 Institute of Medicine report: Institute of Medicine, Adverse Effects of Pertussis and Rubella Vaccines: A Report of the Committee to Review the Adverse Consequences of Pertussis and Rubella Vaccines (Washington D.C.: National Academies Press, 1991).

  31 Child Neurology Society report: Ad Hoc Committee for the Child Neurology Consensus Statement on Pertussis Immunization and the Central Nervous System, “Pertussis Immunization and the Central Nervous System,” Annals of Neurology 29 (1991): 458-460.

  31 University of Washington/CDC study: J. L. Gale, P. B. Thapa, S.G.F. Wassilak, et al., “Risk of Serious Acute Neurological Illness After Immunization with Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine: A Population-Based Case-Control Study,” Journal of the American Medical Association 271 (1994): 37-41.

  31 Revision of VICP table: G. Evans, E. M. Levine, and E. H. Saindon, “Legal Issues,” in Vaccines, 5th ed., eds. S. A. Plotkin, W. A. Orenstein, and P. A. Offit (London: Elsevier/Saunders, 2008); 60 Fed. Reg. 7678, 7691 (February 8, 1995).

  32 Computerized records study: W. E. Barlow, R. L. Davis, J. W. Glasser, et al. for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccine Safety DataLink Working Group, “The Risk of Seizures After Receipt of Whole-Cell Pertussis or Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine,” New England Journal of Medicine 345 (2001): 656-661.

  32 Febrile seizures: M. D. Blumstein and M. J. Friedman, “Childhood Seizures,” Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America 25 (2007): 1061-1086.

  32 Miller study: D. L. Miller, E. M. Ross, R. Alderslade, et al., “Pertussis Immunization and Serious Acute Neurological Illness in Children,” British Medical Journal 282 (1981): 1595-1599.

  33 Bonthrone trial: “Parents Fail in Whooping Cough Vaccination Test Case,” The Times (London), August 31, 1985.

  33 Johnnie Kinnear’s symptoms: B. Deer, “The Vanishing Victims: Can Whooping Cough Jabs Cause Brain Damage in Children?” Sunday Times Magazine (London), November 1, 1998.

  34 Kinnear lawsuit: “The Law Tries to Decide Whether Whooping Cough Vaccine Causes Brain Damage: Professor Gordon Stewart Gives Evidence,” British Medical Journal 292 (1986): 1264-1266.

  34 Judge Stuart-Smith: “Other Major Cases That Brought Him in the Spotlight: Hillsborough,” http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm199798/cmhansrd/vo980218/debtext/80218-21.htm.

  34 Stuart-Smith and the Hillsborough soccer tragedy: D. Conn, “Hillsborough: How Stories of Disaster Police Were Altered,” The Guardian, April 13, 2009.

  34 Stewart at Kinnear trial: “The Law Tries to Decide Whether Whooping Cough Vaccine Causes Brain Damage: Professor Gordon Stewart Gives Evidence,” British Medical Journal 292 (1986): 1264-1266.

  34 Kinnear hospital records: B. Deer, “The Vanishing Victims: Can Whooping Cough Jabs Cause Brain Damage in Children?” Sunday Times Ma
gazine (London), November 1, 1998.

  34 Stuart-Smith regarding mother’s testimony in Kinnear trial: Stuart-Smith, Lord Justice, Judgment 30 March 1988, Loveday v. Renton and the Wellcome Foundation Ltd., Chilton Vint & Co, 24 Chauncery Lane, London, WC2.

  35 Stewart misrepresents Miller study: “The Law Tries to Decide Whether Whooping Cough Vaccine Causes Brain Damage: Professor Gordon Stewart Gives Evidence,” British Medical Journal 292 (1986): 1264- 1266.

  35 Levine and Wenk quote: Ibid.

  35 Machin-Stewart interchange: B. Deer, “The Vanishing Victims: Can Whooping Cough Jabs Cause Brain Damage in Children?” Sunday Times Magazine (London), November 1, 1998.

  35 “An evidential liability”: Stuart-Smith, Lord Justice, Judgment 30 March 1988, Loveday v. Renton and the Wellcome Foundation Ltd., Chilton Vint & Co, 24 Chauncery Lane, London, WC2.

  35 Loveday trial: Stuart-Smith, Lord Justice, Judgment 30 March 1988, Loveday v. Renton and the Wellcome Foundation Ltd., Chilton Vint & Co, 24 Chauncery Lane, London, WC2.

  35 Susan Loveday’s story: C. Dyer, “Whooping Cough Vaccine on Trial Again,” British Medical Journal 295 (1987): 1053-1054.

  36 Loveday’s story unravels: B. Deer, “The Vanishing Victims: Can Whooping Cough Jabs Cause Brain Damage in Children?” Sunday Times Magazine (London), November 1, 1998.

  36 Loveday trial: C. Bowie, “Lessons from the Pertussis Vaccine Court Trial,” The Lancet 335 (1990): 397-399; all quotes from the Loveday trial were obtained from Stuart-Smith, Lord Justice, Judgment 30 March 1988, Loveday v. Renton and the Wellcome Foundation Ltd., Chilton Vint & Co, 24 Chauncery Lane, London, WC2.

  39 David Miller’s study falls apart: J. D. Cherry, “The Epidemiology of Pertussis and Pertussis Immunization in the United Kingdom and the United States: A Comparative Study,” Current Problems in Pediatrics 14 (1984): 7-77; J. D. Cherry, “Recurrent Seizures After Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis Immunization,” American Journal of Diseases in Children 138 (1984): 904-907; J. D. Cherry, P. A. Brunell, G. S. Golden, and D. T. Karzon, “Report of the Task Force on Pertussis and Pertussis Immunization—1988,” Pediatrics 81 (1988): 933-984; J.B.P. Stephenson, “A Neurologist Looks at Neurological Disease Temporally Related to DTP Immunization,” Tokai Journal of Experimental and Clinical Medicine 13 (1988): 157-164.

  39 Salisbury on Stuart-Smith verdict: Author interview with David Salisbury, November 30, 2009.

  39 Canadian verdict: Rothwell v. Connaught Laboratories, Supreme Court of Ontario, June 17, 1988.

  40 Seizures in childhood: M. D. Blumstein and M. J. Friedman, “Childhood Seizures,” Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America 25 (2007): 1061-1086.

  40 Seizure types and genetics: R. Nabbout and O. Dulac, “Epileptic Syndromes in Infancy and Childhood,” Current Opinion in Neurology 21 (2008): 161-166; L. Deprez, A. Jansen, and P. De Jonghe, “Genetics of Epilepsy Syndromes Starting in the First Year of Life,” Neurology 72 (2009): 273-281.

  41 Berkovic on Dravet’s Syndrome: Author interview with Samuel Berkovic, November 27, 2009.

  42 Berkovic study: S. F. Berkovic, L. Harkin, J. M. McMahon, et al., “De-Novo Mutations of the Sodium Channel Gene SCN1A in Alleged Vaccine Encephalopathy: A Retrospective Study,” Lancet Neurology 5 (2006): 488-492.

  42 Berkovic regarding reaction to study: Author interview with Samuel Berkovic, November 27, 2009.

  43 Marge Grant at Hawkins hearing: Hearings before the Subcommittee on Investigations and General Oversight of the Committee on Labor and Human Resources, U.S. Senate, Ninety-Seventh Congress, Second Session to Examine Adverse Drug Reactions from Immunization, Federal Efforts in Preventive Medicine, and Characteristics of Certain Diseases, May 7, 1982 (emphasis in original text). All Grant quotes below come from this source.

  44 Berkovic study: S. F. Berkovic, L. Harkin, J. M. McMahon, et al., “De-Novo Mutations of the Sodium Channel Gene SCN1A in Alleged Vaccine Encephalopathy: A Retrospective Study,” Lancet Neurology 5 (2006): 488-492.

  44 Shorvon and Berg editorial: S. Shorvon and A. Berg, “Pertussis Vaccination and Epilepsy—An Erratic History, New Research and the Mismatch Between Science and Social Policy,” Epilepsia 49 (2008): 219-225.

  44 Media coverage of Berkovic paper: Author interview with Samuel Berkovic, November 27, 2009.

  4. Roulette Redux

  45 Lea Thompson’s statement of purpose: DPT: Vaccine Roulette, WRC-TV, Washington, D.C., April 19, 1982. All Thompson quotes in the section are from this program; italics added for emphasis.

  45 Baraff study: C. L. Cody, L. J. Baraff, J. D. Cherry, et al., “Nature and Rates of Adverse Reactions Associated with DTP and DT Immunizations in Infants and Children,” Pediatrics 68 (1981): 650-660.

  46 Pertussis vaccine and SIDS: C. P. Howson and H. V. Fineberg, “Adverse Events Following Rubella and Pertussis Vaccines: Summary of a Report of the Institute of Medicine,” Journal of the American Medical Association 267 (1992): 392-396.

  46 Infantile spasms study: J. C. Melchior, “Infantile Spasms and Early Immunization Against Whooping Cough: Danish Survey from 1970 to 1975,” Archives of Disease in Childhood 52 (1977): 134-137.

  46 Studies confirming Denmark study: M. H. Bellman, E. M. Ross, and D. L. Miller, “Infantile Spasms and Pertussis Immunization,” The Lancet 1 (1983): 1031-1033; C. T. Lombroso, “A Prospective Study of Infantile Spasms: Clinical and Therapeutic Correlations,” Epilepsia 24 (1983): 135-158.

  47 Pertussis in 1982: K. M. Edwards and M. D. Decker, “Pertussis Vaccines,” in Vaccines, 5th ed., eds. S. A. Plotkin, W. A. Orenstein, and P. A. Offit (London: Elsevier/Saunders, 2008).

  47 William Foege regarding DPT: Vaccine Roulette: Hearings before the Subcommittee on Investigations and General Oversight of the Committee on Labor and Human Resources, U.S. Senate, Ninety-Seventh Congress, Second Session to Examine Adverse Drug Reactions from Immunization, Federal Efforts in Preventive Medicine, and Characteristics of Certain Diseases, May 7, 1982.

  48 Robert Mendelsohn’s medical affiliations: E. R. González, “TV Report on DTP Galvanizes US Pediatricians,” Journal of the American Medical Association 248 (1982): 12-22.

  48 Mendelsohn on vaccines and other treatments: http://whale.to/v/mendelsohn.html.

  48 Mendelsohn on doctors: http://whale.to/vaccine/quotes20.html.

  48 Mendelsohn on surgeons: Foreword by Robert S. Mendelsohn, M.D., to Hans Ruesch’s Slaughter of the Innocent (London: Civitas Publications, 1983).

  49 Mendelsohn and “apple pie”: E. R. González, “TV Report on DTP Galvanizes US Pediatricians,” Journal of the American Medical Association 248 (1982): 12-22.

  49 Bobby Young’s affiliations: Ibid.

  49 Seizures and brain damage: M. D. Blumstein and M. J. Friedman, “Childhood Seizures,” Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America 25 (2007): 1061-1086; J. H. Ellenberg, D. G. Hirtz, and K. B. Nelson, “Do Seizures Cause Intellectual Deterioration?” New England Journal of Medicine 314 (1986): 1085-1088.

  49 Thompson on journalistic integrity: E. R. González, “TV Report on DTP Galvanizes US Pediatricians,” Journal of the American Medical Association 248 (1982): 12-22.

  49 Edward Mortimer on Vaccine Roulette: Ibid.

  50 Gordon Stewart’s affiliations: Ibid.

  50 Stewart regarding pertussis vaccine efficacy: G. T. Stewart, “Vaccination Against Whooping Cough: Efficacy Versus Risks,” The Lancet 1 (1977): 234-237.

  50 Pertussis control by vaccine: E. J. Gangarosa, A. M. Galazka, C. R. Wolfe, et al., “Impact of Anti-Vaccine Movements on Pertussis Control: The Untold Story,” The Lancet 351 (1998): 356-361.

  50 Stewart regarding upcoming pertussis outbreak: “Vaccine Call Is Attacked,” Sunday Times (London), June 26, 1977.

  50 Pertussis epidemic in England: J. D. Cherry, “The Epidemiology of Pertussis and Pertussis Immunization in the United Kingdom and the United States: A Comparative Study,” Current Problems in Pediatrics 14 (1984): 7-77.

  51 Luc Montagnier discovers HIV: F. Barré-Sinoussi, J. C. Chermann, F. Rey,
et al., “Isolation of a T-Lymphotropic Retrovirus from a Patient at Risk for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS),” Science 220 (1983): 868-871.

  51 Stewart and sperm: G. T. Stewart, “The Epidemiology and Transmission of AIDS: A Hypothesis Linking Behavioural and Biological Determinants to Time, Person, and Place,” Genetica 95 (1995): 173-193.

  51 Stewart and yeast: E. Papadopulos-Eleopulos, V. G. Turner, J. M. Papadimitriou, et al., “HIV Antibodies: Further Questions and a Plea for Clarification,” Current Medical Research and Opinion 13 (1997): 627-634.

  51 Stewart and rock stars: G. Stewart, “AIDS, the Myths and Martyrdom,” Daily Mail (London), April 5, 1993.

  51 Stewart and behavior of victim: Ibid.

  51 Stewart and AZT: G. T. Stewart, “The Epidemiology and Transmission of AIDS: A Hypothesis Linking Behavioural and Biological Determinants to Time, Person, and Place,” Genetica 95 (1995): 173-193.

  53 John Stossel interviews Allen McDowell: “Scared Stiff: Worry in America,” ABC News: 20/20, February 23, 2007.

  53 Anthony Colantoni: C. McHugh, “Ex-Lawyer Accused of $1.4 Million Fraud,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, November 15, 1993; J. F. Rooney, “Converted Children’s Compensation: Ex-Lawyer Admits,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, November 22, 1993.

  54 Thompson in 1997: First International Conference on Vaccination, National Vaccine Information Center, 1997.

  54 Yellow fever vaccine and hepatitis: J. P. Fox, C. Manso, H. A. Penna, and M. Para, “Observations on the Occurrence of Icterus in Brazil Following Vaccination Against Yellow Fever,” American Journal of Hygiene 36 (1942): 68-116; M. V. Hargett and H. W. Burruss, “Aqueous-Based Yellow Fever Vaccine,” Public Health Reports 58 (1943): 505-512; W. A. Sawyer, K. F. Meyer, M. D. Eaton, et al., “Jaundice in Army Personnel in the Western Region of the United States and Its Relation to Vaccination Against Yellow Fever,” American Journal of Hygiene 40 (1944): 35- 107; L. B. Seeff, G. W. Beebe, J. H. Hoofnagle, et al., “A Serologic Follow-Up of the 1942 Epidemic of Post-Vaccination Hepatitis in the United States Army,” New England Journal of Medicine 316 (1987): 965-970.