How Do Vaccines Work? Immune Mechanisms and Consequences by Stephen C. Marini, DC, PhD From Dr. Moskowitz’s previous article in Pathways (issue 10), we learned that the theoretical effect of vaccines on the infectious diseases they are designed to protect against is misleading at best. He also illuminated the potential long-term consequences of vaccines on an individual’s overall health and wellness. I would like to present what is known about the body’s immunologic response when exposed to a microorganism naturally as compared to the response generated by the conventional vaccines. Questions that this discussion will raise are: Can the immune responses generated by the vaccines create a pattern of immune imbalance that actually compromises the child’s immune system? Does the resulting pattern of immune imbalance promote imbalances in other body systems resulting in chronic health issues? What is known about reversing the imbalance generated by vaccines and/or other immune stressors? How Do Vaccines Work. We have known for decades that getting the childhood diseases naturally results in a permanent immunity to the specific microorganism. Getting the vaccines results in a temporary immunity, meaning that susceptibility is deferred and repeated booster shots will be required for the ENTIRE life of the individual. In the 80s, the specific immune mechanisms involved in vaccine-induced immunity was discerned. In the 90s, the same mechanisms in humans were explored. T cells (thymus cells) are the major cell in the immune system; they direct and control all immune responses as well as immune memory. Subsets of T cells are the T-helper cells (Th). T-helper cells coordinate and direct the safest and most effective immune response. Using Moskowitz’s measles example, we know that, when infected with the measles virus naturally via the nasopharyngeal route, the body produces a Th1 response that externalizes the infection and provides permanent immunity.1 Fever, rash, coughing, sneezing, etc are signs of the body ridding itself of this infection. Bypassing the normal body lines of defense by injecting a vaccine forces the immune system into an emergency-based Th2 response which serves to internalize the infection. You don’t get the disease but are susceptible to the disease later since the Th2 response results in poor immune memory. So, if a natural, viral (measles) infection results in a Th1 response, why don’t we make vaccines that could elicit the same response. Read more at: pathwaystofamilywellness.org/component/option,com_crossjoomlaarticlemanager/Itemid,375/aid,1369/view,crossjoomlaarticlemanager/#sthash.VUeUsby0.dpuf
Posted on: Tue, 21 Jan 2014 03:31:44 +0000