Is your child suffering from DTP injury or DTP vaccine injury?
The DPT vaccine is designed to immunize against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. Other vaccines are designed to save lives by preventing disease like polio, measles, and other serious conditions. But what happens when these vaccines cause diminished qualify-of-life side effects or worse – death – from vaccine injury?
What happens when a DPT vaccine causes DPT vaccine injury? DPT vaccines have been implicated in the death or permanent neurological or brain damage of some children. Thimerosal, which is used as a preservative in some DPT vaccines, contains mercury and has been suspected of contributing to the dramatic increase of autism. There have been reports of healthy infants who had been progressing normally to suddenly developing severe problems including autism and brain damage after receiving a DPT vaccine.
Immunizations usually begin when the child is still an infant and follows a recommended schedule. Ordinarily, a parent would weigh the potential benefits of a medication against the potential risk of using it and make an informed decision whether or not to give the medication to their child. However, parents are required by law to have their children immunized before they can attend schools in the United States.
Are DPT vaccines necessary?
There is no question that DPT vaccines have reduced or in some cases even eliminated the risk of certain diseases. However, there is a preponderance of evidence demonstrating that DPT vaccines are not without injury either.
What is the risk with DPT vaccine injury?
Like all medications — DPT vaccines can have side effects. Sometimes side effects are only temporary or extremely rare. Other vaccines have a greater risk of more serious, long-term DPT vaccine injury.
The FDA’s Vaccine Adverse Effects Reporting System (VAERS) receives about 11,000 reports of serious adverse reactions to vaccination annually, one percent (112+) of which are deaths from DPT vaccine injury reactions. However, the FDA estimates that only about 10 percent of adverse DPT vaccine reactions are reported. Under-reporting of adverse DPT vaccine reactions by the National Vaccine Information Center discovered that in New York only one out of 40 doctors or about 2.5 percent of the doctors surveyed confirmed that they report a DPT vaccine death or DPT vaccine injury following vaccination. This means that 97.5 percent of DPT vaccine-related deaths and injuries go unreported there. These startling findings suggest that DPT vaccine deaths may be well over 1,000 per year and DPT vaccine injury may be much higher.
The fact is that no one knows the actual amount of risk involved when a DPT vaccine is administered. Most children will show no reaction at all. But for the children and adults who are adversely and seriously affected, the risk of brain damage, autism, and death is 100%.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended that children be immunized with a new DPT vaccine, but many vaccination programs still use DPT because it is less expensive.
To add insult to injury, a purified DPT vaccine is available that’s virtually reaction-free, and has been produced and used in other countries for over 15 years, using technology the U.S. abandoned in the 1970s. This reaction-free DPT vaccine costs $9 more per injection.
While most parents would happily pay the additional money to ensure their children’s safety from DPT vaccine injury, drug companies have lobbied to delay the use of the purified DPT vaccine for as long as possible probably because it will cut into their inflated 50 percent vaccination profit margins.
Shouldn’t the manufacturers of DPT vaccines be required to produce safe DPT vaccines?
What are DPT vaccines?
DPT vaccines are used to help the body develop resistance to specific and often life-threatening diseases. The human immune system is designed to fight against disease and infection by producing antibodies. The body remembers some diseases and is able to prevent subsequent infection.
For example, a person typically only has chicken pox once during his/her life. When a child has had chicken pox, s/he may be exposed with little or no risk to another person who has chicken pox. This is the body’s way of providing resistance to disease.
DPT vaccines work in a similar fashion, helping the body create a defense system against certain infections. When children or adults are vaccinated, they are given a substance that causes their body to create antibodies. These antibodies provide immunity that protects them if they are exposed to a disease. DPT vaccines frequently consist of a very light dose of whatever causes the disease that you are being immunized against.
History demonstrates that DPT vaccines and immunizations have saved lives. Before the polio vaccination was available –13,000 to 20,000 cases were reported each year in the United States. These days, polio is virtually extinct in the U.S. Mumps were once a major cause of deafness in children. Mumps can also cause swelling of the brain, nerves, and spinal cord and can lead to paralysis, seizures, and fluid in the brain. Before the mumps vaccination was developed in 1967, approximately 212,000 cases of mumps occurred in the U.S. each year. In 1986 and 1987, there was a resurgence of mumps with 12,848 cases reported. Efforts to immunize children against the disease were increased. The Centers for Disease Control report that cases of mumps have declined with only a total of 323 cases reported in 2002.
When bad things happen from DPT vaccines
In some cases, the DPT vaccine comes with injury risk though not from the active ingredients in the DPT vaccine but from Thimerosal, a preservative used to increase the shelf life of some DPT vaccines. Thimerosal, a mercury-containing organic compound, has been used since the 1930s. Use of Thimerosal decreased after concerns were raised about the risk of exposing the developing brains of young children to mercury. In May 2000, the FDA sent a letter to DPT vaccine manufacturers advising them to find another preservative for DPT vaccines and to reduce or eliminate the use of Thimerosal.
Research is still being conducted to determine exactly how many children and adults might have been affected by adverse reactions to the Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine (MMR), the DTP/DTaP/Td vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, or vaccines for Lyme disease, polio, or varicella (the chicken pox vaccine). The specter of terrorism raises more concerns about immunizations that may be required for anthrax and smallpox.
What is being done about DPT injuries?
Too little too late for DPT injuries
Concerns over the safety of DPT vaccines have finally led the FDA to recommend that DPT vaccine makers stop using Thimerosal, a mercury preservative. Congressional hearings over the possible connection between DPT vaccines and autism proved inconclusive, but the hearings did succeed in raising public awareness of the problem.
Litigation over mercury poisoning from DPT vaccines began March 2001 with a lawsuit filed in Dallas, Texas. Similar lawsuits have also been filed including a class action lawsuit in Ontario, Canada, on behalf of children who developed autism after receiving vaccines preserved with Thimerosal.
Thimerosal is gradually being phased out of most vaccines. However, it is too late for those children who have already been affected. Research is also being done on the connection between MMR and autism, hepatitis and MS, and other adverse DPT vaccine reactions.
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What is the problem with DPT vaccines?
On a weekly basis, over 50,000 children across America receive the DPT (diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus) vaccine. According to some researchers, a portion of these children, have been crippled, injured, and even killed by pertussis vaccine reactions. Other diminished quality-of-life side effects include medication-resistant convulsions, mental retardation, learning disabilities, and hyperactivity.
The problems of known vaccine reactions range from headache and other flu-like symptoms to seizures or serious complications. Researchers have reported a possible link between the vaccine for Hepatitis B and Multiple Sclerosis, a finding that has been hotly disputed by the makers of the vaccine and some doctors. An article in the journal Lancet concluded that there was a possible connection between the MMR (mumps-measles-rubella) vaccine and autism.
The problem is compounded by the fact that vaccinations are required by U.S. law. Parents who refuse to have their children immunized face serious legal problems. Children who are not immunized may not be allowed to attend public schools.
Unfortunately, most parents have no choice but to put their children at risk of DPT reactions. Again, the potential for adverse vaccine reactions are extremely low. However, the possibility does exist. Gambling with your child’s well being should never be an option.
Medical professionals do not want to cause an unsubstantiated panic or discourage a procedure of which they support as worthwhile. They are reluctant to publish statistics about adverse reaction rates that are at times suspect but not proven. Just as importantly, the statistics must be documented for the long-term understanding of vaccinations and the benefit of future generations being vaccinated.
Who is responsible for DPT vaccine injuries
Are doctors, DPT vaccine manufacturers, and public health officials aware of the DPT vaccine dangers? Have they chosen to ignore statistics from adverse DPT vaccine reactions? Is more value placed on DPT vaccine manufacturers’ deep pockets and investors’ profit margins than your children’s health?
The FDA began asking questions about the dangers of Thimerosalway back in 1972. By 1992, the preservative had been pulled out of dog vaccines and contact lens solutions because of the risks.
However, it remained in children’s vaccines until 2001.
What can you do if your child was harmed by a DPT vaccine?
DPT vaccines are not like other medications where you can simply discontinue treatment. Once the DPT vaccine is in the body, the effects of the vaccine are there forever.
In a limited number of cases, seizure disorder from the DPT vaccine causes brain damage, resulting in shock, convulsions, and even death. The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta estimate that one in 310,000 DPT vaccinations results in permanent brain damage.
If your child has been injured or has suffered an adverse reaction from a DPT vaccine, you may be entitled to monetary compensation.
To find out if you qualify, contact a law firm that specializes in DPT vaccines and Thimerosal lawsuits like Monheit.com. They will inform you about your rights and determine if you have a legitimate case against the manufacturers of these vaccines.
In 1986, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP) was created by the federal government to compensate patients, or families of patients, who have been injured by vaccines. The vaccines covered under the NVICP are diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, pertussis (DPT), measles, mumps, rubella, polio, Hepatitis B, chicken pox, and rotavirus. Injuries resulting from these vaccinations include anaphylaxis (life threatening allergic reaction), paralytic polio, and encephalopathy (neurological disorder).
Compensation for vaccine injuries are under the jurisdiction of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. To begin the process you first must file a petition with the United States Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. Your claim will be reviewed by a Special Master appointed by the United States Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. To qualify, you must demonstrate that the injury was caused by the vaccination and the extent of your injuries. Decisions of the Special Masters may be appealed to the United States Court of Federal Claims.
Today, you have options including class action lawsuits for adverse injuries due to DPT vaccines.
FAQ’s
What are the primary problems associated with vaccines?
- Brain Damage from DPT vaccines: The mercury in Thimerosal may have caused permanent brain damage in some children who were given DPT vaccines containing this preservative
- Autism: Thimerosal has also been implicated as a possible reason for the increase in the numbers of autistic children.
- Multiple Sclerosis: Research is being conducted for the possible connection between the Hepatitis B vaccine and MS.
- More complications: Vaccines have been linked to arthritis, stroke, and even death.
What is autism?
Autism refers to a collection of neurologically-based developmental disorders where people (mainly children) have social interaction and communication impairment, along with a tendency to display repetitive behaviors or interests. The severity of autism varies from little speech and poor daily living skills to functioning satisfactorily in most situations. Autism is typically diagnosed during the toddler or preschool years, although some children are diagnosed at older ages.
A newer and more common form of the disease is known as regressive autism, in which children appear to be developing normally, but then suddenly regress and lose functions they had previously, such as early speech. Parental anecdotes and clinical reports suggest it happened during periods of high vaccine exposure.
What does DPT mean?
DPT means that the vaccine produces antibodies for diphtheria, pertussis (or whooping cough), and tetanus.
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is an extremely serious bacterial disease that causes the inability to breathe, paralysis, or even heart failure. About 10 percent of people who get diphtheria die from the disease. Before the DPT vaccine was introduced in the United States, 17,000 children died in a single year from a diphtheria epidemic. Over the past several years, very few cases of diphtheria have been reported in the United States. In 1988, there were no cases. This is primarily because most children have had DPT vaccines. Diphtheria is still around, but most children are ready to fight back if they are exposed.
What is pertussis?
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is extremely contagious. Before widespread immunization, virtually all children contracted whooping cough. Small children get the sickest while adults appear only to have a bad cold. In recent years 4,200 cases of pertussis have been officially reported. Pertussis is the common cause for undiagnosed chronic cough in adults and older children. A study published in the June 15, 2001 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseasesfound that pertussis was the cause of chronic cough in 19.9 percent of the patients studied. For healthy teens and adults, pertussis is usually nothing more nuisance, lasting months, sometimes with vomiting.
For babies and those at high risk, pertussis can be severe or even life threatening. Pertussis causes repeated spells of coughing that can make it difficult to eat, drink, or breathe. About one out of every 200 children who get pertussis will die. Another one out of every 200 will have lifetime brain damage. As many as 2 percent will have seizures, 16 percent will get pneumonia, and 50 percent will be sick enough to be hospitalized.
What is tetanus?
Tetanus, also called lockjaw, is caused by a bacterium that is common in the soil. When this germ gets into an open cut or wound, an unprotected person may contract tetanus, which creates serious muscle spasms strong enough to snap the spine. Even with modern medical care, about 30 percent who get tetanus — die from the disease. Tetanus was once very widespread, but since 1975 only 50 to 100 cases have been reported per year in the United States.
What is being done to help those affected by vaccine injury?
A knowledgeable and qualified attorney may be able to help you if you or someone you know has suffered from an adverse vaccine reaction.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP) was created by the federal government in 1986 to compensate patients, or families of patients, who have experience vaccine injuries. The vaccines covered under the NVICP are diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, Hepatitis B, chicken pox, and rotavirus. Vaccine injuries include anaphylaxis, paralytic polio, and encephalopathy.
How do I apply for compensation from vaccine injury?
Compensation for vaccine injuries are under the jurisdiction of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The first step is to file a petition with the United States Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. Your claim will be reviewed by a Special Master appointed by the United States Court of Federal Claims. To qualify, you must be able to show that the injury was caused by the vaccination and the extent of your vaccine injuries. Decisions of the Special Masters may be appealed to the United States Court of Federal Claims. It is recommended that an expert vaccine lawyer help you to complete the claim.
Is there a time limit for filing vaccine injury claims?
Yes. In the case of a DPT vaccine injury, the side effects must have continued for at least six months after vaccine administration and the claim must be filed within 36 months after the first symptoms appear. In the case of a death, the claim must be filed within 24 months of the death and within 48 months after the onset of the vaccine-related injury from which the death occurred.
Resources:
Check out our helpful vaccine web information resources to assist in your vaccine injury research:
FDA Finally Acts on Thimerosal
www.fda.gov/cber/vaccine/thimerosal.htm
Letter from the FDA to vaccine makers advising them to reduce or eliminate the use of the mercury preservative, Thimerosal.
Why Immunize?
www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/whyimmunize.htm
The American Academy of Pediatrics presents reasons why immunization is important
Call for removal of Thimerosal from children’s vaccines
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vacsafe/concerns/thimerosal/joint_statement_00.htm
Statement saying that US Public Health Service (USPHS), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and vaccine manufacturers agree that Thimerosal-containing vaccines should be removed as soon as possible.