By Dr Sherri Tenpenny
A study published
in the September, 2016 edition of PEDIATRICS reviewed the rates of
intussusception before and after the introduction of the Rotavirus
vaccines. Researchers found the intussusception hospitalization rate for
children aged 8 to 11 weeks was significantly elevated to 16.7–22.9 per
100,000 in all post-vaccine years (except 2011 and 2013), compared with
the pre-vaccine baseline rate of 11.7 per 100,000.
The conclusion discovered a significant increase in intussusception
when children are given a dose between 8 to 11 weeks (2-3 months). Then
researchers went on to say, “Given the magnitude of declines in
rotavirus disease compared with this small increase in intussusception,
the benefits of rotavirus vaccination outweigh the increased risk of
intussusception.”
What? Wait.
This study is claiming that since the increased rate of
intussusception is small, and the decline in the infection rate in the
US is large, the “trade-off” is worth the risk?
Let’s break this down. To keep the dates straight, keep in mind the
rather obvious association that 8