Wakefield Research Paper
Ulsenheimer
English 1111
23 April 2011
Autism and Vaccines More than twelve years ago a dangerous trend was started by an article written by Dr. Andrew Wakefield stating that vaccines might cause autism in children. Autism is a severe and devastating disorder characterized by repetitive habits and impaired social interaction and communication abilities. The article led to many parents choosing not to have their children vaccinated. Not soon after Wakefield’s publication, there were dramatic increases in the outbreaks of the illnesses, such as Pertussis (Whooping Cough) and Measles, that the boycotted vaccines were created to prevent. These outbreaks led to over 25 studies exploring the potential link between vaccines and autism, none …show more content…
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that the MMR vaccine and thimerosal are dangerous. (Baker) In January of 2010 Britain’s General Medical Council performed an investigation into the research methodology and ethics of Andrew Wakefield. The council discovered that Wakefield was paid over $675,000 by a law firm hoping to sue the companies who make the MMR vaccine. Nearly all of Wakefield’s data in his study was falsified and his conduct was ruled unethical. Once all of the information was presented, the British medical authorities stripped Wakefield of his ability to practice medicine. (USA Today) Unfortunately, the actions of Britain’s General Medical Council have come too late to halt the damage caused by Andrew …show more content…
Unfortunately, the only reason that can be given for these peoples actions is ignorance. In 2007, a celebrity by the name of Jenny McCarthy published a book on her belief that the MMR vaccine caused her son’s autism. Her book became a national bestseller, further fueling the misinformation fire. In 2009 several outbreaks of Whooping Cough in California, Illinois, New York, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania caused the deaths of over 20 children. The diseases that caused these deaths were all but eliminated 20 years ago but are now making a comeback because of the people choosing not to have their children vaccinated. (Mnookin) These outbreaks are costing taxpayers millions of dollars to contain and treat, but people are still choosing not to educate
English 1111
23 April 2011
Autism and Vaccines More than twelve years ago a dangerous trend was started by an article written by Dr. Andrew Wakefield stating that vaccines might cause autism in children. Autism is a severe and devastating disorder characterized by repetitive habits and impaired social interaction and communication abilities. The article led to many parents choosing not to have their children vaccinated. Not soon after Wakefield’s publication, there were dramatic increases in the outbreaks of the illnesses, such as Pertussis (Whooping Cough) and Measles, that the boycotted vaccines were created to prevent. These outbreaks led to over 25 studies exploring the potential link between vaccines and autism, none …show more content…
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that the MMR vaccine and thimerosal are dangerous. (Baker) In January of 2010 Britain’s General Medical Council performed an investigation into the research methodology and ethics of Andrew Wakefield. The council discovered that Wakefield was paid over $675,000 by a law firm hoping to sue the companies who make the MMR vaccine. Nearly all of Wakefield’s data in his study was falsified and his conduct was ruled unethical. Once all of the information was presented, the British medical authorities stripped Wakefield of his ability to practice medicine. (USA Today) Unfortunately, the actions of Britain’s General Medical Council have come too late to halt the damage caused by Andrew …show more content…
Unfortunately, the only reason that can be given for these peoples actions is ignorance. In 2007, a celebrity by the name of Jenny McCarthy published a book on her belief that the MMR vaccine caused her son’s autism. Her book became a national bestseller, further fueling the misinformation fire. In 2009 several outbreaks of Whooping Cough in California, Illinois, New York, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania caused the deaths of over 20 children. The diseases that caused these deaths were all but eliminated 20 years ago but are now making a comeback because of the people choosing not to have their children vaccinated. (Mnookin) These outbreaks are costing taxpayers millions of dollars to contain and treat, but people are still choosing not to educate