Vaccines = Autism?

Dr. Andrew Wakefield published an article on his findings, relating the MMR vaccine with developmental delays in children, in the Lancet in 1998. His research found that the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) led to signs of developmental disorder, more specifically autism, in previously healthy children. Further research was conducted and articles posted in medical journals have since refuted his findings. An article posted on PubMed Central discussed the events following Wakefield’s claims. His article received a lot of attention from the media and scientists and led to a change in beliefs regarding vaccinations.

Dr. Wakefield chose 12 patients that were seen by a gastroenterologist because of their newfound symptoms of language loss and abdominal issues. The small sample size alone was seen as alarming to other medical researchers. It later came out that the sampling Wakefield and his team conducted was selective by what fit their personal agenda. The epidemiological studies that were conducted in order to prove the doctor’s findings were unsuccessful and disputed Wakefield’s research. News of wrongful motives emerged including one that “Wakefield had been funded by lawyers who had been engaged by parents in lawsuits against vaccine-producing companies.” This information alone is enough to question the credibility of the doctor and his team.

Although his findings were later proven flawed, the response from Americans and Europeans was considerable. The vaccination rates for MMR vaccine dramatically decreased during this time. The concerns from parents led to hesitation towards vaccines and their safety. The bandwagon effect that was produced from the doctor’s publication has now been considered one of the biggest medical frauds in history. Those who were quick to jump to conclusions were the ones withholding vaccinations from themselves or their children. Measles was eradicated in the US since the 50th year anniversary of the MMR vaccine in 1968. The measles has since shown cases in the United States due to the lack of vaccination in some children. Although a direct link is not proven, the ideas brought forth by Wakefield’s publication made an impact on society and on the minds of parents across the world.