Labels must clarify nosodes are not vaccines

Homeopathic products called nosodes must now carry labels with a stronger warning against using them as an alternative to vaccines. The government department which regulates drugs, Health Canada, announced the labels must read: “This product is neither a vaccine nor an alternative to vaccination. This product has not been proven to prevent infection. Health Canada does not recommend its use in children and advises that your child receive all routine vaccinations.”

Measles have hit anti-vaccination communities

Medical authorities are very concerned that some parents are failing to have their children immunized against a dozen or so common illness routinely administered by pediatricians. There have been sporadic outbreaks of measles and whooping cough in communities where children have not been vaccinated.

Although Canadian Consumers Centre for Homeopathy dispute it, CBC reports that homeopaths have been marketing and selling nosodes as an alternative to parents who are suspicious of vaccines and may believe discredited reports linking them to autism. Other parents refuse inoculation on religious grounds.

Health Canada also announced it will no longer approve health claims for cough, cold and flu preparations for children 12 unless the claims are supported by scientific evidence.

Expert questions all homeopathic approvals

Reaction has been varied. A group called Bad Science Watch says it is “celebrating cautiously” but it says homeopaths will continue to be able to prescribe nosodes despite the new labels. It and McGill University Professor Joe Schwarcz wonder why Health Canada is at all involved in approving homeopathic preparations despite of the fact they lack scientific evidence proving that they work.

“It’s a joke…Homeopathy has no legitimacy. It’s a scientifically bankrupt idea and it should not be promoted in any way,” said Schwarcz to the National Post newspaper.