MMR Autism Link Based on Conflicting Interests

Slate has a good article on Andrew Wakefield. Wakefield recently lost his medical license after pursuing various avenues to link the measles vaccine to various diseases, links which were either never found true or proven wrong. In addition his unscientific publications and campaigning were tied to actual or potential personal monetary gain (huge conflict of interest!). His efforts of preying on the fears of parents have led many U.S. and UK parents to refuse immunization for their children and, not surprising, caused an increase in the number of measles cases. What the lay population does not realize is that vaccination not only protects our own children but also the community immunity prevents the spread of viruses to the developing fetuses of pregnant mothers who cannot receive certain vaccines. Thus a refusal of vaccine is a lose lose option.