Andrew Wakefield

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To question if a particular vaccine were to induce a particular mental condition would be a very interesting hypothesis. Dr. Andrew Wakefield, a Gastroenterologist from the United Kingdom theorized such an idea. He published an article in 1998 stating that there is some sort of link or connection between the MMR (Mumps, Measles and Rubella) vaccine and a developmental disorder known as Autism. Wakefield hypothesized that the measles vaccine portion of the MMR vaccine causes inflammatory bowel disease which then allows dangerous proteins to enter the bloodstream and ultimately damage the brain. However, this hypothesis has been disputed against, disproved and is now discredited.

Furthermore, to conduct his experiment, Andrew Wakefield …show more content…

Wakefield’s’, there are no replications of his hypothesis due to the fact that his work is fraudulent and discredited. As for the Center Disease Control (CDC) they have conducted a study to prove Wakefield wrong. The CDC looked at the number of antigens (substances in vaccines that cause the body’s immune system to produce disease-fighting antibodies) from vaccines during the first two years of life. Researchers compared children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) results showed that the total amount of antigen from vaccines received was the same between children with and without ASD (Cdc.Gov). The American Academy of Pediatrics claims that studies have been conducted not only in the United States, but also in Europe and there has been no connection found between the MMR Immunization and autism (Aap.Org). As for the National Capital Poison Center, they state that unfortunately, the cause of autism is not known but it is known that autism is not caused by vaccines (Poisoin.org). The Immunization Action Coalition states that the question about a possible link between MMR vaccine and autism has been extensively reviewed by independent groups of experts in the U.S. including the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine. These reviews have concluded that the available epidemiologic evidence does not support a causal link between MMR vaccine and autism (Immunize.org). I personally find Dr. Andrew Wakefield’s hypothesis and research to be absolutely preposterous based on my knowledge and the knowledge of Professional Scientists. There is no connection or link of any sort between any vaccines (the immunization included) and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Ultimately, I strongly urge everyone to never refuse a vaccination based on Andrew Wakefield’s studies; it could mean life or death for you or the ones you love in doing

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