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Seinfeld was probably the most popular sitcom of the 90’s. During it’s run it popularity resulted in many of its most funny moments becoming popular phrases – such as yadda yadda yadda, double-dipper, and re-gift, just to name a few.
I was reminded of some of these phrases recently when I was thinking about the term “bunk” and “debunk.” So much so that I had to find the exchange from Seinfeld regarding these terms. Reprinted here for your enjoyment:
Elaine: Mono? Huh, well, if anyone needs any medical advice, Elaine met a doctor. And he's unattached.
Jerry: I thought the whole dream of dating a doctor was debunked.
Elaine: No, it's not debunked, it's totally bunk.
Jerry: Isn't bunk bad? Like, that's a lot of bunk.
George: No something is bunk and then you debunk it.
Jerry: What?
Elaine: Huh?
George: I think. (Pause as they all look down)
Why all the focus on bunk/debunk?
Because once again, another study has proven, once again, that that the MMR vaccine does not cause autism. The bunk about vaccines has been debunked yet again.
The most recent study was no small affair. From the CNN article describing the study:
“Researchers used a population registry to evaluate whether the MMR vaccine increased the risk of autism in children born in Denmark between 1999 and 2010. A total of 657,461 children were followed through August 2013, with the researchers documenting diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder as well as known risk factors including age of the parents, diagnosis of autism in a sibling, preterm birth and low weight at birth.”
The article goes on to say:
“The MMR vaccine did not increase the risk of autism in children who were not considered at risk for the disorder and did not trigger it in those who were, according to the study.”
The article also quotes Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, who was not involved in the new research as saying, “"At this point, you've had 17 previous studies done in seven countries, three different continents, involving hundreds of thousands of children," Offit said. "I think it's fair to say a truth has emerged."
I think so too.
I think it’s also fair to say the bunk has been debunked.
Time to stop spreading bunk about vaccines.