As contemporary as it is, the huge vaccine-autism debate has caused different implications on the population, which is still suffering the repercussions. Since the publication of Wakefield’s study, the percent of MMR vaccinated children in England dropped from 92 to 80%, which signifies an increase in measles, mumps and rubella cases all around the country (Callahan 6). Moreover, according to the World Health Organization, every year 2.5 million unvaccinated children die of diseases preventable by vaccines; a number that has been increasing in the last years due to vaccine hesitancy (Downs 6). Ironically, as mentioned before, the autism cases are increasing each year, and no possible solutions seem to emerge. The debate even poses a threat
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Even after Wakefield’s study has been proven fraudulent, even after the Geier’s studies are described as scientifically inadequate, and even after dozens of studies have proven that there is no link between vaccines and autism, parents are still afraid and hesitate whether to vaccinate their kids or not. Although the Institute of Medicine, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Institute of Medicine all conclude that vaccines are not dangerous and do not cause autism, many parents still see vaccines as a threat to their children’s health. Bombarded by misleading information and confused by organizations that do not take a clear side, it is easy for any parent to believe “facts” delivered by the media, even when such facts do not have scientific bases. Such erroneous information fails to teach parents about all the benefits of vaccines, among which is saving their beloved children’s lives. Admittedly, vaccines are not perfect, but enough research has demonstrated that they do not cause autism and, thus, have a positive effect on children’s health. Parents’ minds will not change easily, and the vaccine-autism debate will continue for much longer, yet the more individuals that find out and understand the true facts about vaccines, the easier this crazy link will be
Even after Wakefield’s study has been proven fraudulent, even after the Geier’s studies are described as scientifically inadequate, and even after dozens of studies have proven that there is no link between vaccines and autism, parents are still afraid and hesitate whether to vaccinate their kids or not. Although the Institute of Medicine, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Institute of Medicine all conclude that vaccines are not dangerous and do not cause autism, many parents still see vaccines as a threat to their children’s health. Bombarded by misleading information and confused by organizations that do not take a clear side, it is easy for any parent to believe “facts” delivered by the media, even when such facts do not have scientific bases. Such erroneous information fails to teach parents about all the benefits of vaccines, among which is saving their beloved children’s lives. Admittedly, vaccines are not perfect, but enough research has demonstrated that they do not cause autism and, thus, have a positive effect on children’s health. Parents’ minds will not change easily, and the vaccine-autism debate will continue for much longer, yet the more individuals that find out and understand the true facts about vaccines, the easier this crazy link will be