The latest round in the debate over vaccines and autism came Feb. 2 with a dramatic announcement by The Lancet. The medical journal is retracting a controversial 1998 paper that suggested a causal link between the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) and autism disorders.
Does this mean that activists who believe vaccines cause autism will fold their tents? Unlikely. Parents are desperate and frightened by the huge growth in autism numbers (latest estimates: one in 110 children!). And answers about causes seem more elusive than ever.
For a clear-eyed, compassionate take on the whole debate, check out Autism Speaks Canada, an excellent advocacy organization. Their FAQ on the vaccine issue is definitely worth a read, as is their Statement on Vaccine Research and Safety.
2 Responses to “ Autism and vaccines: Is the debate over? ”
This is an example of how bad science can do some serious harm.
Study after study has tried to reproduce the results obtained in the first paper to no avail.
Parents (myself included) are desparate to find aanswers to the Autism Puzzle. It’s clear that tthe vaccine isn’t the cause. If only our energy could be put into finding out the real root cause instead of being wasted on poor science.
By Jack on Feb 4, 2010
Well said. As a mother of two children with autism I am sickened by the ignorance people have and their claims of cures and causes. Instead of trying to “cure” these children, lets focus on how to help them and accept them as they are.
Chantel
By Chantel on Mar 8, 2010