The anti-vaccine movement has hit a new low with the recent post on Facebook by the website, Vactruth.com. The organization posed the following on their Facebook page 10 days ago:

The U.S. recorded 206,000 cases of diphtheria in 1921, resulting in 15,520 deaths. In the past decade, there were less than five cases of diphtheria in the U.S. reported to CDC.
The U.S. recorded 206,000 cases of diphtheria in 1921, resulting in 15,520 deaths.
In the past decade, there were less than five cases of diphtheria in the U.S. reported to CDC.

“For the readers who have asked this question,

“Do you think vaccinating a child with vaccines, that are made up of endocrine disrupting chemicals, can affect the outcome of a person’s sexuality? Homosexuality is found in nature in other species and has occurred in populations long before the advent of vaccines. Some believe vaccines affect sexuality and some don’t. It is known that vaccines do disrupt hormonal function and can cause fertility and thyroid problems, so this is a legitimate question some people want to learn more about.

“Below is a link discussing what some doctors have to say on the issue but not in relation to vaccination status. Many people are afraid to bring this topic up and write about it. We know this is on some people’s minds, so please respectfully share your experience.”

They link to the following site Born Gay? Pros and Cons.

Really? Truly pushing the limits of absurdity on this one don’t you think?

But it should come as no surprise from the website run by a rescue swimmer in the United States Navy with no real medical or scientific background. The site routinely pushes the idea that vaccines are unsafe, ineffective and are linked to the debunked idea of being the cause of  autism and numerous other conditions.

The European gay news service, Pink News writes: “To date, there is no scientific evidence that vaccines cause autism or a change in sexual orientation.”

The American Psychological Association states: “There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay or lesbian orientation.

“Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors.”

When asked for a statement about the Facebook post by Vactruth.com, infectious disease expert and Kent State University professor, Dr. Tara Smith told Outbreak News Today:

Just looking at the post (and that site is pretty horrible), they’re assuming many facts not in evidence to begin with, and so their question is circular. There’s no evidence vaccines are “made up of endocrine-disrupting chemicals” or “disrupt hormonal function and can cause fertility and thyroid problem,” so the basis of their question is like asking “have you stopped beating your wife?” –it’s biased in its initial assumption.

The website, The Spudd, which is self-described as ” your untrusted source of health news and information for over 0 years”, writes:

As expected, many people responded in the comments section with outrage and anger. Most of these comments were quickly deleted and the posters banned. This is a familiar trick employed by anti-vaccine advocates – create an echo chamber on their websites and Facebook pages to make it appear as though everyone agrees with what they are saying.

Postings like this make me wonder if people like those at Vactruth.com and that ilk really believe some of the things they write or are they just trying to stir up a reaction for the sole purpose of stirring up reaction the way this post did?