http://www.ageofautism.com/2011/08/protecting-their-own-the-unofficial-vaccination-policy-of-doctors-in-the-know.html#more
At present I have over 15 physicians programmed into my blackberry. Those are just the doctors, pediatricians, specialists and family practitioners I talk to on a regular basis. There are several others I research, cold call and visit. I spend my time on this because it's imperative that I have a competent mainstream pediatrician that knows our family in the event of a true medical emergency. Plus I like to chat with them about vaccine science and iatrogenic illness. Sometimes they talk to me, sometimes they don't. I recently reconnected with a mainstream doctor affiliated with a large hospital and a thriving practice in thje midwest. We've had many interactions over the years but on this particular day this physician had quite a bit to say. These were his words as they were spoken to me. For the purpose of protecting his anonymity I will refer to him as "The Doctor."
The Doctor on Gardasil:
"Gardasil? What the hell is that? That shouldn't be on the market for another 30 years. We have no idea if we are causing this disease to mutate and become more harmful and stronger than it is now. No idea. We'll find out I guess. Anyway, I talked about this with my partners and they were adamant, "you have to give it to your patients." I told them I am not telling my parents they have to give this to their 9 year old. I got looks like--crazy. They thought I was nuts. My partners are saying to me,"you gotta give it."
I told him I was aware of over 90 deaths and life-altering adverse reactions as the result of Gardasil. He did not respond.
The Doctor on Hepatitis B:
"I mean, they have us vaccinate jaundiced babies with Hepatitis B! What are they thinking? What is wrong with them? I mean, Geez. Is this really necessary? Come on."
This was a particularly difficult thing for me to hear. My son Noah was jaundiced at birth and received the hepatitis B vaccination without our consent,on the day he was born. My swollen yellow baby boy never cried and only grunted for months. Such a good baby...the four words everyone who knew him uttered repeatedly, for a year straight. Such a good baby. I continued to vaccinate him on schedule. My pediatrician (not this doctor) was not alarmed by his enlarged body, swollen head, limbs, and distended torso. He was described as "roly-poly", though he did not routinely eat and digest food until he was 3. During his second year of life he did not gain weight. My repeat concerns about his development were met with "Mrs. Goes, he looks healthy." I broached the topic of Hep B with The Doctor, during a previous meeting two years ago. At that time, I mentioned our third child (who does not have autism) had not yet received the vax. He rolled his eyes and said, "Why? All babies get that in the hospital at birth? Everybody does it." His tone was accusatory but he offered no explanation as to why it was important.
The Doctor on Varicella (Chicken Pox):
The Doctor on Vaccines in General:
"I don't vaccinate my kids. I rely on herd immunity, which is selfish I know. Herd immunity basically means I am relying on the fact that everyone else is vaccinated. I know it's wrong...They (his children) are fine. I might (vaccinate) when it comes time for them to go to high school because I don't want them to have to miss out on travel opportunities. They are all perfectly healthy."
I asked him if he knew about Breusewitz vs. Wyeth. I thought it was important that he knew the products he does not choose to give to his own children but yet, recommends to his patients, now enjoy greater freedom in the marketplace than ever before. He had not heard of the Supreme Court ruling. I gave him a brief overview to which he responded with a disbelieving "huh."
The Doctor on Vaccine Philosophy and Group Think:
"You do not question vaccines openly. It's not done. I know I sound ridiculous here but it's like Nazi Germany. Really, I know it sounds silly. I mean, in our own groups, of course, we question vaccines all the time, among ourselves, but you never ever say it openly. You have to understand, doctors are scientists. We pride ourselves on our knowledge. You just don't question, they look at you like you're crazy. I have to tell you to vaccinate because if I don't and your kid gets sick, I get sued. I am legally responsible. My partners are always telling me, "You make them vaccinate on schedule or they are out." You know you could get in a lot of trouble for not vaccinating yourself--you know that though--you have a medical background."
His perception of himself as a real "scientist" floored me. Science is unbiased investigation. The system in which he finds himself does not even resemble a scientific community. It's a fraternity. He's a brother, not a scientist. Not to mention, I do not have a medical background. I never inferred or implied I did. I just ask a lot of questions. I didn't feel like correcting him so instead I asked him if he knew about Merck and Pfizer not paying the American government the combined 19 million dollars in taxes they owe the American people. http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/ad-lib/2011/apr/10/tax-evaders-wall-shame/ "How is that possible?" He furrowed his brow. I went on to explain that Merck plans on conducting massive lay-offs despite having tripled their profits last year http://www.dddmag.com/news-Merck-Profits-Triple-Plans-Job-Cuts-72911.aspx?et_cid=1872901&et_rid=230266277&linkid=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dddmag.com%2Fnews-Merck-Profits-Triple-Plans-Job-Cuts-72911.aspx. He was not at all interested. He turned the conversation to the topic to the impending healthcare changes and how pharma will not escape their negative impact. I tried to explain that pharma's legislative freedom trumps all conventional consequences. Pharma is not just above the law, pharma is the law. The facts fell upon deaf ears.
I gave it one more try anyway and turned my attention to his turf. What did he have to say about the recent AAP study that determined over 50% of American children are afflicted with chronic illness? www.canarypartyorg. He knew nothing of the study or the chronically ill children. Clearly this means they do not exist. Suddenly, he started to shut down. What will happen if all his patients start behaving like this? Reading and asking questions. In a last ditch effort I tried to bridge the gap. I was not trying to establish authority but rather make a humble plea for his genuine care and concern for all our children, not just his own. I explained that one of our goals in the Canary Party is to create a safe place for doctors like him who do not believe that every single vaccine is safe for all children. "We are really working on this. You must be free to question the system without fear of ramifications." I said. At this point it hit him that I considered myself his equal and that in my mind, I may actually be in a position to help him.
He concluded with, "Vaccines work, Lisa. Look at polio."
L J Goes is Managing Partner of The Misuta Project, Contributing Editor to Age of Autism, and Executive Board Member of the Illinois Canary Party