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A new vaccine that may someday prevent ear infections (otitis media) in children is currently in the works. The vaccine is still a ways out from being tested on children, but the results on chinchillas have been promising so far.
The needleless vaccine, developed by Dr. Lauren Bakaletz, a researcher at Nationwide Children’s hospital, is administered by way of a drop of liquid rubbed into the skin on the outside of the ear.
Dr. Bakaletz says it works by activating cells just under the surface of the skin, called dendritic cells. When this liquid touches the skin, it touches off a response throughout the body.
“These cells deliver it to the lymphoid organs where it can generate an immune response. So really harnessing a power that’s there all the time, but you’re doing it in a way that’s now directed toward a specific disease,” says Dr. Bakaletz.
It seems only natural that moms, especially those of young children, are having some strong reactions to the news of this possible future vaccine. Some of the those I've seen from moms thus far include excitement and curiosity, as well as disbelief, frustration and cynicism.
An anonymous commenter on News Anchor Mom said, "Don't you think we should be looking into the CAUSES of these ear infections rather than just adding yet ANOTHER vaccine to the list? Neither one of my children have ever had an ear infection. They are now 4 and 2."
Karissa, another commenter, said, "Wow! What an ingenious idea! I am always leery of giving more vaccines but ear infections are the worst! It seemed like for years one of my three kids always had one. The kids were miserable, and couldn't sleep or eat. ... I'm interested to see what happens with this."
Yet another commenter, Emily from Randomability said, "This sounds promising and it doesn't go into the ear either. My only concern would be long term side effects."
Catherine Morgan shares a lot of the same thoughts and concerns that I have regarding this vaccine and vaccines in general and wonders how many is too many.
I wonder how many pharmaceutical companies are bothering to invest in research to actually cure diseases that kill children? Because, why should they bother wasting money on cures for drugs that only a small fraction of children will ever need (buy), when they can make billions on new vaccines for non-life threatening illnesses that can be sold to every child?
Regardless of how you feel about autism, food allergies, or processed foods...When it comes right down to it, pharmaceutical companies are making vaccines that they believe can be most profitable for their companies. I think there comes a time when we (the parents and the consumers) need to decide that we don't need to vaccinate every child for every illness that they may or may not get.
The thing is our immune systems need to develop by actually fighting off these infections, viruses and diseases on their own. We are already becoming a society with more and more people suffering with auto-immune diseases (like MS, Lupus, Diabetes, Crohn's Disease, Arthritis, Celiac Disease, just to name a few). Personally, I would rather risk my child coming down with the flu, the chicken pox or an ear infection and fighting it off now, than risk their immune system failing them when they really need it later.
Is there a vaccine that we would ever say no to?
A vaccine to end conjunctivitis (pink eye)?
A vaccine to prevent poison ivy?
A vaccine to prevent runny noses or sore throats?
A vaccine to end diaper rash?Where do we draw the line? How many vaccines is too many?
Interestingly enough, I first learned about this vaccine via an email that was sent to me from a media relations specialist (MRS). She mentioned that she could put me in touch with Dr. Bakaletz so I took her up on her offer and sent her a list of questions that I and other women (both bloggers and non-bloggers) came up with. Some of the questions included:
- What are the possible side effects of the vaccine? - asked by Beth of The Natural Mommy
- Who will be the manufacturer of this vaccine?
- What are the ingredients?
- Could this vaccine create resistant strains like antibiotics do? - also asked by Beth of The Natural Mommy
- What are you trying to prevent with the ear infection vaccine - ear infections, the number of children who need tubes in their ears or deafness? - asked by Kayris of
