Andrew Wakefield conducted a study with a very irrational sample size of 12, in which, 11 were boys. Wakefield and his colleagues chose and picked the results that presented the data that pleased their beliefs. Through their unethical actions, they were able to convince many parents that the MMR vaccine could trigger autism. This research caused many children not to get vaccinated and the number of outbreaks around the world began to rise. Wakefield was “toying” with human health for financial interests. His research was questioned by other scientists since both, vaccination and autism, happens in early childhood.
According to the Pew Research Center, vaccination has dramatically decreased in more than half of the U.S states. Not only that, but there has been the highest number of reported cases in 2019 over 25 years. A study was conducted using surveys to rate the health benefits and risks of the MMR vaccine. Different factors such a race and ethnicity, age, religion, education, etc. influence the thoughts of the people being surveyed.
After reading and analyzing the research conducted, I was shocked by some of the results. As mentioned in the research, 16% of the public believed that vaccination decisions should be left in the hands of parents. This is absurd because the decision of an individual should not harm and create health risks for others. It was also found out that communities with certain religious beliefs are more likely to think parents should have the decision than others. Religion is an ethical matter and that can be negotiable but the health of people should not be subjected to these decisions.
