Re: And there's even more!

Good points, decreased infant mortality is a trend that can be seen in many countries where the standard of health care, in particular anti, and post natal care, has been improved.

There are many factors that can influence the rate of infant mortality, for instance, there are correlations between the infant mortality rates and the level of political stability of a country. Infant mortality rates are higher in countries that are in a state of war, or are recovering from being in a state of war. Does this mean war causes infant mortality directly, (in some cases yes), but more generally it causes a destruction of infrastructure, and limits the availability of healthcare.

Then there is the socio-economic factors, and the correlation between the relative wealth of a country, and the infant mortality rates. The list of variables is extensive.

As you have pointed out, the rates of infant mortality have decreased over the years, and the greatest rate of decrease has been in countries where vaccination is taking place. To claim that vaccinations are the cause of the infant mortality rate decrease, is tenuous, as again the variables are many, and to draw a direct link would be weak science, even though there is a correlation. This is what the study that the OP presented seeks to do, show causation where none exists.

I expect you will see a number of personal insults from those that disagree with your points, as this seems to be the trend when they can supply no data to counter your points.

spud