MMR vaccine and autism
(Redirected from Folk epidemiology of autism)
Controversy regarding the MMR vaccine and autism
MMR Vaccine and Autism Controversy[edit | edit source]
The MMR vaccine and autism controversy refers to the debate and misinformation surrounding the claim that the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is linked to the development of autism spectrum disorders in children. This claim has been widely discredited by scientific research, but it has had a significant impact on public health and vaccination rates.
Background[edit | edit source]
The MMR vaccine is a combined vaccine that was first introduced in the 1970s. It is administered to children to protect them from three serious infectious diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. The vaccine has been highly effective in reducing the incidence of these diseases worldwide.
The Controversy[edit | edit source]
The controversy began in 1998 when a study led by Andrew Wakefield was published in The Lancet. The study suggested a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. However, the study was later found to be flawed due to ethical violations and methodological issues. Wakefield's medical license was subsequently revoked, and the paper was retracted by the journal.
Scientific Consensus[edit | edit source]
Extensive research has been conducted to investigate the potential link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Large-scale epidemiological studies have consistently found no evidence to support the claim that the MMR vaccine causes autism. Organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have affirmed the safety and efficacy of the MMR vaccine.
Impact on Public Health[edit | edit source]
The controversy has led to a decline in vaccination rates in some regions, resulting in outbreaks of measles and other preventable diseases. Public health campaigns have been launched to counter misinformation and encourage vaccination.
Legal Cases[edit | edit source]
Numerous legal cases have been brought forward by parents who believed their children developed autism as a result of the MMR vaccine. However, these cases have not been successful in proving a causal link. The Vaccine Court in the United States has ruled against claims that the MMR vaccine causes autism.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
| Part of a series on |
| Vaccination |
|---|
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
