The three-in-one jab had been introduced in , replacing the single jabs for each disease that had been given previously, two forms of the MMR jab were withdrawn in after signs they caused mild mumps meningitis. Wakefield and 12 co-authors published research in The Lancet in , based on the cases of 12 patients, which proposed a link between the MMR jab and autism and bowel disease.
Mistrust of vaccines was stoked by campaigns in the Daily Mail and other papers backing Wakefield, the absence of other scientific voices challenging the link, and PR gaffes like UK prime minister Tony Blair refusing to comment on claims his son, Leo, had not received the vaccine. In a year-old boy from Manchester became the first UK death from measles for 14 years, and that year in England and Wales there were more than measles cases, the highest levels for 20 years.
Another measles outbreak in south Wales in infected more than 1, people, mainly children, and led to the emergency distribution of 50, MMR vaccines to prevent the disease spreading. It alleged many of the families in his case study were part of legal action against the MMR jab manufacturer, and he had been funded by the solicitors for these cases to provide evidence in support.
In the wake of the revelations 10 of the co-authors of The Lancet paper withdrew their support for the interpretation section, which was the area that had claimed a link with autism. In the GMC opened its investigation into the allegations of serious professional misconduct against Wakefield and two co-authors, which would eventually lead to him being struck off. However, the MMR vaccine is no stranger to controversy. In , a study published in The Lancet linked the vaccine to serious health risks in children, including autism and inflammatory bowel disease.
But in , the journal retracted that study, citing unethical practices and incorrect information. Since then, many research studies have looked for a connection between the MMR vaccine and these conditions.
No connection has been found. The MMR vaccine protects against three major diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella German measles. All three of these diseases can cause serious health complications. In rare cases, they can even lead to death.
Before the release of the vaccine, these diseases were very common in the United States. Measles can lead to pneumonia , ear infections , and brain damage. Deafness and meningitis are both possible complications of mumps. Rubella can cause serious complications for pregnant women, including miscarriage or birth defects.
Please update your billing details here to continue enjoying your subscription. Your subscription will end shortly. Please update your billing details here to continue enjoying your access to the most informative and considered journalism in the UK. Accessibility Links Skip to content. Here's what we know about Wakefield. British doctor Wakefield make headlines around the globe in when he claimed a link between the Measles, Mumps and Rubella MMR vaccine and autism.
His findings - published in medical journal The Lancet - are believed to have led to widespread concerns among parents giving their children the jab.
The Lancet retracted the story in after Wakefield's article was found to have been "dishonest" by the General Medical Council. He was later struck off before the story was declared fraudulent by the British Medical Journal in The NHS says: "MMR is a safe and effective combined vaccine that protects against three separate illnesses — measles, mumps and rubella German measles — in a single injection.
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