Along with the American Academy of Pediatrics and other science-based organizations in our country, we at Center City Pediatrics are extremely concerned about the messages coming from the White House related to pediatric care.
We are particularly concerned about the following two very recent statements:
-Tylenol, or its active ingredient Acetaminophen, has a causative role in the apparent rising rate of autism diagnoses.
-The number of vaccines administered to children and use of combination vaccines, or vaccines with certain preservatives, leads to harm and possibly autism.
We believe that all medical therapies must be evaluated based on risk versus benefit. Over 2 decades of scientific research has failed to show that Tylenol administered during pregnancy or in early childhood causes developmental disabilities, including autism. Likewise, extensive research involving millions of children has failed to show that combination vaccines, or certain preservatives in vaccines, lead to autism. Combination vaccines save children needle-sticks, are extensively tested for safety, and in the case of MMR cannot be easily ordered in separate components.
Tylenol may prevent dangerous or uncomfortable fevers in pregnant mothers and children, including prevention of harm to the unborn baby. It should be obvious that vaccines, which remain one of the greatest scientific breakthroughs in public health, prevent millions of unnecessary deaths and hospitalizations. Last year alone, the United States saw 280 pediatric flu deaths, half of whom had no underlying condition. Sadly, over 90% of these children were not fully flu vaccinated. This year in the United States, as MMR immunization rates have declined, we have seen the greatest number of measles cases in 33 years, further testimony to the effectiveness of vaccines.
While we strongly support a focus on research into the causes of autism, the White House messaging has further reaching implications. We do not want to see limited research dollars directed at previously settled questions. We do not want to see mothers of children with autism become guilt-ridden for harmless health decisions that they make. Finally, and most importantly, we want to support all children as the incredible individuals that they are.
Please feel free to engage us more with your questions and concerns as we strive to be your ongoing scientific “partner in parenting.”
Respectfully, your Center City Pediatrics providers,
Eric Berger, MD
Craig Barkan, MD
Rebekah Blutstein, MD
Chung Chiang, DO
Brittany DiBardino, DO
Rebecca Fisher, MD
Erin Joyce, CRNP
Diana Karnilaw, CRNP
Stephanie Lidd, MD
Reza Madani, MD
Amanda Naumann, CRNP
Elizabeth Robinson, MD
Jessica Rose, CRNP
Cynthia Warren, MD
Additional Reading:
AAP: Acetaminophen is Safe for Children When Taken as Directed
AAP: ‘Dangerous Claims’ about Causes of Autism Confuse Parents, Harm Children
