Study: You Can't Change an Anti-Vaxxer's Mind

[proverbialwisdom]

116. I like accuracy. Please point out a concrete example of "misdirection/half-truths about vaccination"

You might've missed this text exchange on Aug 27, 2014 between Dr. Andrew Wakefield and Senior CDC Scientist, Dr. William W. Thompson. Wait awhile and see what develops.

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http://www.ageofautism.com/2014/09/text-message-confirms-cdcwhistleblower-apology-to-wakefield-for-cdc-mmr-cover-up.html

Text Message Confirms #CDCwhistleblower Apology to Wakefield for CDC MMR Cover Up

Age of Autism has confirmed the veracity of this text message from #CDCwhistleblower Dr. William Thompson to Dr. Andrew J. Wakefield.

PHOTO OF CELLPHONE SCREEN:

AJW: "Is the press release real?"

WT: "Yes"

AJW: "Thank you. This was the right and honorable thing to do. Andy"

WT: "I agree. I apologize again for the price you paid for my dishonesty."

AJW: "I forgive you completely and without any bitterness."

WT: "I know you mean it and am grateful to know you more personally."

Posted by Age of Autism at September 02, 2014 at 4:45 PM

http://www.morganverkamp.com/august-27-2014-press-release-statement-of-william-w-thompson-ph-d-regarding-the-2004-article-examining-the-possibility-of-a-relationship-between-mmr-vaccine-and-autism/

NEWS

August 27, 2014 Press Release, “Statement of William W. Thompson, Ph.D., Regarding the 2004 Article Examining the Possibility of a Relationship Between MMR Vaccine and Autism”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - AUGUST 27,2014

STATEMENT OF WILLIAM W. THOMPSON, Ph.D., REGARDING THE 2004 ARTICLE EXAMINING THE POSSIBILITY OF A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MMR VACCINE AND AUTISM

My name is William Thompson. I am a Senior Scientist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where I have worked since 1998.

I regret that my coauthors and I omitted statistically significant information in our 2004 article published in the journal Pediatrics. The omitted data suggested that African American males who received the MMR vaccine before age 36 months were at increased risk for autism. Decisions were made regarding which findings to report after the data were collected, and I believe that the final study protocol was not followed.

I want to be absolutely clear that I believe vaccines have saved and continue to save countless lives. I would never suggest that any parent avoid vaccinating children of any race. Vaccines prevent serious diseases, and the risks associated with their administration are vastly outweighed by their individual and societal benefits.

My concern has been the decision to omit relevant findings in a particular study for a particular sub­ group for a particular vaccine. There have always been recognized risks for vaccination and I believe it is the responsibility of the CDC to properly convey the risks associated with receipt of those vaccines.

I have had many discussions with Dr. Brian Hooker over the last 10 months regarding studies the CDC has carried out regarding vaccines and neurodevelopmental outcomes including autism spectrum disorders. I share his beliefthat CDC decision-making and analyses should be transparent. I was not, however, aware that he was recording any of our conversations, nor was I given any choice regarding whether my name would be made public or my voice would be put on the Internet.

I am grateful for the many supportive e-mails that I have received over the last several days. I will not be answering further questions at this time. I am providing information to Congressman William Posey, and of course will continue to cooperate with Congress. I have also offered to assist with reanalysis of the study data or development of further studies. For the time being, however, I am focused on my job and my family.

Reasonable scientists can and do differ in their interpretation of information. I will do everything I can to assist any unbiased and objective scientists inside or outside the CDC to analyze data collected by the CDC or other public organizations for the purpose of understanding whether vaccines are associated with an increased risk of autism. There are still more questions than answers, and I appreciate that so many families are looking for answers from the scientific community.

My colleagues and supervisors at the CDC have been entirely professional since this matter became public. In fact, I received a performance-based award after this story came out. I have experienced no pressure or retaliation and certainly was not escorted from the building, as some have stated.

Dr. Thompson is represented by Frederick M. Morgan,Jr., Morgan Verkamp, LLC, Cincinnati, Ohio, www.morganverkamp.com.

MORE:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017215782
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=5572825

Also recently notable is the assessment/involvement of Dr. David L. Lewis, Senior Science Advisor to the National Whistleblowers Center and a member of its Board of Directors, and this (IMO):

http://www.whistleblowers.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=71&Itemid=108

National Whistleblowers Center: Meet the Whistleblowers (35)
Note: Dr. Janet Chandler (“As a young attorney President Obama worked on Dr. Chandler’s case. The Supreme Court upheld Dr. Chandler’s lawsuit.”)

...developing.