MMR Vaccination and Autism
In September, 1999 in The Lancet, Volume 354, issue 9182, pp. 949-950, A. J. Wakefield published an article titled "MMR vaccination and autism." In this article he presented what he claimed was evidence of a link between the increased incidence of autism and MMR vaccinations. This article became the source of controversy for many years, and eventually The Lancet retracted the article in 2010. Prior to this retraction the majority of the original listed authors asked for their names to be removed from the article. It had surfaced that at best the research was very sloppy or at worst was falsified.
Answer the following questions in an academic, thoughtful manner being sure to cite your resources. Wikipedia may not be used as a citation but you may use the resources listed there as a starting point. Respond to two classmates for maximum credit. Critique the peer post in a thoughtful and academic fashion, citing your resources. Keep this discussion academic.
What evidence can you find regarding the appropriate or inappropriate research practices conducted by A. J. Wakefield and his team?
How might you have changed your practice (or not) after reading the original article? Why or why not? Incorporate the Code of Ethics for Nurses in your response.
How would you have changed your practice (or not) after reading the retraction in The Lancet? Comment on when it might be reasonable to adopt practice indicated in research. In other words, how much research is needed before major practice changes should be made?
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