The Logic of Science Response to "100 arguments against vaccines"

[progressoid]

100 bad arguments against vaccines

From time to time, I get directed to an article titled “One Hundred Arguments Against Vaccines” which was written by Natural Health Warriors and is nothing more than a Gish Gallop of anti-vaccine tropes. I have been loath to address this article because, quite frankly, I don’t really feel like spending several days debunking this nonsense. Nevertheless, given the frequency with which I encounter this article, I suppose it would be worthwhile to write a rebuttal. So here it is. Those of you who read this blog know that I like to pontificate, and I struggle with brevity, but given that I have 100 arguments to deal with, I will attempt to be terse. Many of these are arguments that I or others have dealt with in more detail elsewhere, so when relevant, I will link to those articles in case you want a more thorough refutation. Also, several of these arguments are nearly identical to each other, so I have grouped those and written a single response to all of them (note: all of the bad arguments are direct quotes from the Natural Health Warriors post - including the caps lock).

As you read through this, I want you to pay very careful attention to an important difference between the original article and my rebuttal. Namely, the “sources” for the original were almost entirely quack websites like Natural News, Whale.to, Info Wars, etc. Indeed, there were only citations to a few (I think three) peer-reviewed papers in the entire post, and most of them weren’t about vaccines. In contrast, I constantly back up my claims with peer-reviewed studies or statistics from reputable groups like the CDC and WHO. I may direct you to blogs for more detailed explanations, but I always back up factual claims with proper sources. On that note, if you disagree with my arguments, please do not bother to post unless you include references to the peer-reviewed literature. To be blunt, I do not give a crap about your anecdotes, gut feelings, opinions, or “hours of research.” Unless you can back up your position with properly conducted studies, your position is invalid.


Bad Argument #1). “NO vaccine is 100% safe.”

....http://thelogicofscience.com/2015/10/12/100-bad-arguments-against-vaccines/

Lots of good stuff there and a few fun graphics too.

Like:

[3catwoman3]

1. I should print this out and put it in the exam...

Last edited Mon Oct 19, 2015, 07:43 PM - Edit history (1)

...rooms at the pediatric office where I work.

A relative of mine is a major mover and shaker in the anti-vaxx movement, and I will bet that she has used every one of these statements.

[SheilaT]

2. Thanks for that link.

My oldest son is mildly autistic, and I go batshit crazy when someone tries to suggest he's that way from vaccinations. Trust me, he was different from the day he was born.

added on edit: He and his younger brother are both amazingly healthy. I suppose vaccinations have had something to do with it. I also credit good genetics, and possibly the fact that I breast fed both of them. They also have the good fortune to live in a society where they have access to good food and clean water.