1998 Study Linking Autism to MMR Vaccine Is Retracted

_ · February 2010

http://www.aolnews.com/world/article/study-linking-mmr-vaccine-autism-is-retracted-by-the-lancet/19341758

(Feb. 2) -- The prestigious British medical journal The Lancet retracted a 1998 study linking childhood vaccines to autism today, after an independent investigation found that its lead author acted "dishonestly and irresponsibly" in his research.

"We fully retract this paper from the published record," Lancet editors said in a statement.

The move comes days after the U.K.'s General Medical Council, a government regulatory agency, ruled that Dr. Andrew Wakefield acted improperly during his research. Lancet Editor Richard Horton said he didn't have sufficient evidence to retract the study until the council's independent investigation was complete.

Wakefield, a gastroenterologist who now works in the U.S., is largely held responsible for the widespread panic over vaccinations that led to a surge in children not being immunized against measles, mumps and rubella, for fear that the injections could lead to illness. Following the publication of Wakefield's study, MMR vaccination rates in the U.K. dropped from 92 to 80 percent.

Wakefield, who could lose his U.K. medical license, hasn't backed down from his study's results, and today he described the council's decision as "unfounded and unjust." The doctor is still in the business of autism research: He's the executive director at Thoughtful House, a Texas autism center that's a favorite of anti-vaccination spokeswoman Jenny McCarthy.

Questions about the integrity of his research have been circulating for years. Several subsequent studies have largely discredited Wakefield's results, and 10 of the study's 13 authors have since rejected its results. Last year, reports surfaced that Wakefield "may have altered data" after being paid $1 million to examine autistic children whose parents blamed the MMR vaccine for the illness, according to Slate.com.

Despite the longtime dismissal of the 1998 study by medical professionals, and piles of new research, vaccination debates have continued to rage, with startling health implications for children. In England and Wales, measles rates soared by 80 percent from 2007 to 2008. Here in the U.S, the CDC reports that vaccinations are at an all-time high, but measles outbreaks are at unprecedented levels, largely due to parents who opt out of immunizations.

Thoughtful House didn't return calls for comment, but the CDC has issued a statement to CNN, praising the Lancet's decision:

"It builds on the overwhelming body of research by the world's leading scientists that concludes there is no link between MMR vaccine and autism. We want to remind parents that vaccines are very safe and effective and they save lives. Parents who have questions about the safety of vaccines should talk to their pediatrician or their child's health care provider."

The retraction also comes a day after the competing British Medical Journal called for the Lancet to take action. Of the study, commentary authors wrote that "the arguments were considered by many to be proven and the ghastly social drama of the demon vaccine took on a life of its own."

_____________________________________
Here's a link to another article about it:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/AutismNews/lancet-retracts-controversial-autism-paper/story?id=9730805

London Bridge · February 2010

It builds on the overwhelming body of research by the world's leading scientists that concludes there is no link between MMR vaccine and autism. We want to remind parents that vaccines are very safe and effective and they save lives. Parents who have questions about the safety of vaccines should talk to their pediatrician or their child's health care provider

99 out of 100 pediatricians will tell you to get the vaccine and probably don't have a child with Autism. If I new then what I know now, I would never have given my Autistic child the MMR vaccine.

_ · February 2010

London Bridge wrote:

"It builds on the overwhelming body of research by the world's leading scientists that concludes there is no link between MMR vaccine and autism. We want to remind parents that vaccines are very safe and effective and they save lives. Parents who have questions about the safety of vaccines should talk to their pediatrician or their child's health care provider."

99 out of 100 pediatricians will tell you to get the vaccine and probably don't have a child with Autism. If I new then what I know now, I would never have given my Autistic child the MMR vaccine.

What exactly is it that you know now that disputes the "overwhelming body of research by the world's leading scientists that concludes there is no link between MMR vaccine and autism"?

he still stands · February 2010

I'll tread softly here... but I think a lot of parents of autistic children noticed "something different" about their child after a vaccination because...well... it FUCKS up the kid for a few days. That little 15 lb pound has a virus pumping through its veins and it isn't fun. My son was sick and just sort of 'stared off into space' after his MMR. I think some parents mistake this as a sudden transition to autism (even though the child had it from birth probably) and go back to that traumatic event as "when our child GOT autism."

But... hey... that just like... my opinion, man.

flywallyfly · February 2010

scb wrote:

London Bridge wrote:

"It builds on the overwhelming body of research by the world's leading scientists that concludes there is no link between MMR vaccine and autism. We want to remind parents that vaccines are very safe and effective and they save lives. Parents who have questions about the safety of vaccines should talk to their pediatrician or their child's health care provider."

99 out of 100 pediatricians will tell you to get the vaccine and probably don't have a child with Autism. If I new then what I know now, I would never have given my Autistic child the MMR vaccine.

What exactly is it that you know now that disputes the "overwhelming body of research by the world's leading scientists that concludes there is no link between MMR vaccine and autism"?

Are these the same leading scientists that said a H1N1 pandemic was a sure thing and we all needed to be vaccinated or we would have overwhelming numbers of death and mayhem?

_ · February 2010

flywallyfly wrote:

scb wrote:

London Bridge wrote:

"It builds on the overwhelming body of research by the world's leading scientists that concludes there is no link between MMR vaccine and autism. We want to remind parents that vaccines are very safe and effective and they save lives. Parents who have questions about the safety of vaccines should talk to their pediatrician or their child's health care provider."

99 out of 100 pediatricians will tell you to get the vaccine and probably don't have a child with Autism. If I new then what I know now, I would never have given my Autistic child the MMR vaccine.

What exactly is it that you know now that disputes the "overwhelming body of research by the world's leading scientists that concludes there is no link between MMR vaccine and autism"?

Are these the same leading scientists that said a H1N1 pandemic was a sure thing and we all needed to be vaccinated or we would have overwhelming numbers of death and mayhem?

Probably not the exact same ones, but I haven't read all the studies. But I think you're misrepresenting the sentiment behind what was said about H1N1 anyway. Are you suggesting we re-open that thread?

OutOfBreath · February 2010

One could point out that concerning the feared pandemic, they were projecting into the future on several unknowns, but had enough alarm bells ringing that they urged caution. When it comes to children's vaccines, they have had years and decades of time to study them. There's a very big difference between having lots of historical data and studies to draw on, and improvising on the spot in the face of emergency. Here, it will mean that they have studied large groups of children with various variables, and not found any connection between vaccine and autism.

And they weren't wrong about the pandemic occurring, it just wasn't quite as lethal as they feared. The virus spread, and made many people sick.

Peace
Dan

polaris_x · February 2010

i think the subtext to this issue is the fact that pharmaceuticals aren't necessarily trustworthy nor the regulatory boards that govern them ... if we knew for a fact that pharmaceuticals all had to due the proper testing before going to market and that the approval agencies also had to do their work without influence ... we'd more inclined to accepting of some drugs/vaccines ... unfortunately, there are enough instances where that is not necessarily the case ... which clouds everything ...

Pepe Silvia · February 2010

polaris_x wrote:

i think the subtext to this issue is the fact that pharmaceuticals aren't necessarily trustworthy nor the regulatory boards that govern them ... if we knew for a fact that pharmaceuticals all had to due the proper testing before going to market and that the approval agencies also had to do their work without influence ... we'd more inclined to accepting of some drugs/vaccines ... unfortunately, there are enough instances where that is not necessarily the case ... which clouds everything ...

i watched planet in peril a few weeks ago and according to it, i forget the agency in the US that approves chemicals, but they don't require ANY testing on human interaction with it when they submit it for approval!! :shock:

London Bridge · February 2010

Thank you for treading softly......

Here is my theory on this. When your child is born, before they leave the hospital, they are already getting their first vaccine. Then comes the onslaught of not only one, but three at a time. After the damage is done, I find out through blood testing that my son has an Immune system deficiency. So I belive the MMR fucked up his brain because his body couldn't deal with it. I stopped all vaccinations with my second child at 7 months because there was no way I was going to deal with 2 Autistic children, and there are a lot families in that situation. I believe everyone must use their own instincts on vaccinations and not just get them because the doctor says so. They always make you sign a form that says they're not resposible for anything that happens to your child, yet they us a hard time if we choose not to. I think children should be tested for Immune system deficieny before they get vaccinations so parents can decide what's best for their child.

he still stands wrote:

I'll tread softly here... but I think a lot of parents of autistic children noticed "something different" about their child after a vaccination because...well... it FUCKS up the kid for a few days. That little 15 lb pound has a virus pumping through its veins and it isn't fun. My son was sick and just sort of 'stared off into space' after his MMR. I think some parents mistake this as a sudden transition to autism (even though the child had it from birth probably) and go back to that traumatic event as "when our child GOT autism."

But... hey... that just like... my opinion, man.

_ · February 2010

London Bridge wrote:

Here is my theory on this. When your child is born, before they leave the hospital, they are already getting their first vaccine. Then comes the onslaught of not only one, but three at a time. After the damage is done, I find out through blood testing that my son has an Immune system deficiency. So I belive the MMR fucked up his brain because his body couldn't deal with it. I stopped all vaccinations with my second child at 7 months because there was no way I was going to deal with 2 Autistic children, and there are a lot families in that situation. I believe everyone must use their own instincts on vaccinations and not just get them because the doctor says so. They always make you sign a form that says they're not resposible for anything that happens to your child, yet they us a hard time if we choose not to. I think children should be tested for Immune system deficieny before they get vaccinations so parents can decide what's best for their child.

Interesting. I would think that for people with weak immune systems it would be even more beneficial to get vaccinated than for those with healthy immune systems, given the higher risk involved if they do get sick. :?

London Bridge · February 2010

I wish these so called leading scientists would figure out what the hell is cauing it.

scb wrote:

London Bridge wrote:

"It builds on the overwhelming body of research by the world's leading scientists that concludes there is no link between MMR vaccine and autism. We want to remind parents that vaccines are very safe and effective and they save lives. Parents who have questions about the safety of vaccines should talk to their pediatrician or their child's health care provider."

99 out of 100 pediatricians will tell you to get the vaccine and probably don't have a child with Autism. If I new then what I know now, I would never have given my Autistic child the MMR vaccine.

What exactly is it that you know now that disputes the "overwhelming body of research by the world's leading scientists that concludes there is no link between MMR vaccine and autism"?

rebornFixer · February 2010

I have never found the data linking vaccines to autism to be terribly convincing. There are more studies that fail to detect such a link than there are those that do, and now, one of the big studies that DID find a link apparently included false data. And this is coming from someone who is stanchly anti-pharma corporation. These companies market drugs that probably make a fair number of people worse rather than better (especially in the mental health realm), they advocate taking "dirty" meds with many different neurochemical effects for fairly minor adjustment disorders and other mental conditions for which meds probably aren't necessary (as opposed to developing "clean" meds with very specific modes of action), and they generally put profit before health. I do think that more studies of the effects of vaccines on the nervous systems of newborns are needed. All that said, vaccines save lives the world over, and this autism link appears to be (largely) spurious. The causes of autism remain poorly understood, although data to date suggest that various brain regions are maldeveloped in autism, and that genetics probably play one role in its development. Its not "all genetic", but as is often the case, some people appear to be exceptionally vulnerable to developing autism given the right set of environmental circumstances. Vaccination is one possible candidate environmental event, but its a poorly-supported one at this time. Ending all vaccinations of kids is a premature knee-jerk reaction.

_ · February 2010

London Bridge wrote:

I wish these so called leading scientists would figure out what the hell is cauing it.

scb wrote:

London Bridge wrote:

"It builds on the overwhelming body of research by the world's leading scientists that concludes there is no link between MMR vaccine and autism. We want to remind parents that vaccines are very safe and effective and they save lives. Parents who have questions about the safety of vaccines should talk to their pediatrician or their child's health care provider."

99 out of 100 pediatricians will tell you to get the vaccine and probably don't have a child with Autism. If I new then what I know now, I would never have given my Autistic child the MMR vaccine.

What exactly is it that you know now that disputes the "overwhelming body of research by the world's leading scientists that concludes there is no link between MMR vaccine and autism"?

Well I'm with you on that one!

London Bridge · February 2010

Most parents have seen their child take the downward spiral from 18 to 24 months. I do worry about my second child not being fully vaccinated, but knowing he won't be autistic out weighs all this. As with any mental disabilty, it fucks up your life, can destroy your marriage(which it did mine), plus it makes you never want to have children again.

Pearl Jam is one of the positives in life.

TravisTheSky · February 2010

I've seen a reply to this all over the alternative media. The statement is from Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey. Whenever I see celebrities associated with a "cause" it makes me turn away. I have never looked at their website until now. But I've been hearing for a few years now, in the mainstream media, that McCarthy actually CURED her son of autism. So I imagine she knows what the hell she is talking about:
http://www.generationrescue.org/wakefield_statement2.html

JS81606 · February 2010

Big Pharma purchased wisely on this. I have found it very interesting that they have convinced the Lancet Journal of Medicine to recant, even though there was sufficient evidence to support what Dr Wakefield discovered. The gut and a live virus, even though is was "attenuated". MMMMM? This is an utter travesty! Dr Wakefield will continue his outstanding work here in the states and presumably force "scientist" to wake up and see where exactly they get thier handouts. I have yet and will continue to bypass all vaccinations for my children. The risks definitely do not outweigh the benefits. Ask yourself this, How come it is more prevalent in males? Multiples? The first born? Parents with a history of dental work that involves amalgan fillings? Parents who eat typical western diet? So we can't place the blame on one vaccine, but does it really help? I would rather have measles, mumps, and rubella over luekemia, colon cancer, autism, just to name a few. By the way, if you read the article in the NY Times, it was right under the story of the woman who's cancer cells would not die and the "scientist" used these exact same cells in vaccines for polio and the flu. Injected cancer cells into unknowing individuals. (that would not die!!!!) Now that is science at its best. If you want to learn more about why cancer lives on in a test tube, see video of Dr Soto at Tufts University. It will make your stomach turn. And you want vaccines in your kids? Thank you no, but I'll pass. If our doctors are doings such a service, why is our country slowly getting fatter, dumb'ehr, and living shorter lives? Just curious.

Peace

As crazy as I may sound, I am more scientific than conspiracy theorist.

_ · February 2010

London Bridge wrote:

Most parents have seen their child take the downward spiral from 18 to 24 months. I do worry about my second child not being fully vaccinated, but knowing he won't be autistic out weighs all this. As with any mental disabilty, it fucks up your life, can destroy your marriage(which it did mine), plus it makes you never want to have children again.

Pearl Jam is one of the positives in life.

Here's a purely hypothetical and probably unfair question, and I wouldn't wish either of these fates on anyone's children:

Would you rather have an autistic, vaccinated child who lives a long life or a "normal," unvaccinated child who dies young from a preventable (by vaccine) illness?

Just wondering.

_ · February 2010

JS81606 wrote:

Big Pharma purchased wisely on this. I have found it very interesting that they have convinced the Lancet Journal of Medicine to recant, even though there was sufficient evidence to support what Dr Wakefield discovered.

Would you mind providing your sources, please, showing:

1. "Big Pharma" convinced the Lancet to recant.
2. "Big Pharma" convinced the 10 out of 13 other authors to recant previously.
3. There is sufficient evidence to support what Dr. Wakefield discovered.
4. Whatever evidence you have that the preponderance of evidence to the contrary should be discounted?

Thanks.

OutOfBreath · February 2010

I think it's a very sore issue for many.

The thinking seems to be that "my child can't just suddenly turn autistic. Someone must have done something to it". Especially since it doesnt become all that apparent until the child have grown a little, and it becomes clear that it's different. This is very tough on parents, and my heart go out to them. But they are not exactly objective on the matter.

What is really the case is that autism, Down's and so forth have heavy genetic components. It's like a friend of my girlfriend who have the "danger genes" running in the family, and she had to DNAtest herself to see if she carried it. If she did, it was 50-50 that her children would have some mental retardation. she was lucky though. The fact that boys are incredibly more likely to be autists also point towards the genetic component, as boys generally have easier for catching genetic maladies due to the Y chromosome. (Insufficient backup in a crisis you might say).

I worked with autists for years as a part-time job, and all I have seen about it, points towards genes and inheritance first and foremost. My youngest brother also had some signs of Asperger or "autism light" and in the course of that, I really thought about the male side of my father's side of the family, and inheritance really looks like the biggest factor.

Drug companies are out to make money, make no doubt about it. But I really dont think they would cover up anything like this. Doctors usually are that because they wish to help. They are adamant in the absence of any conclusive evidence though. And now one of the biggest supports for the link seems to be disproved or invalid.

Also be aware that avoiding vaccines may altogether be a much more dangerous route than the potential harm of a vaccine. Its not like not having them means no risk. It is far more likely to mean more risk than the rare side effects. Many children's diseases we dont see as big deals today, arent big deals because of widespread vaccination. Children are very capable to die of measles for instance.

I find it unlikely that someone is out to kill us with vaccines on the basis of profit. I generally think greed is overrated as a motive. There are some sociopaths out there, but for them to run an entire organization with thousands of people, and get them all to play along, I don't buy it at all.

There are risks with evrything. You are continually at risk of developing many diseases, be run over by a truck, hit by a meteorite, who knows. But generally, data shows that vaccination lowers risk of some diseases that otherwise might kill you. (Even if the alarming link was true, the trade-off would be between live autists, or more dead kids on the whole.) So the option is never risk and no risk, it is always more or less risk. Vaccines means overall less risk than not having them. So when I go to South America this summer, I'm gonna load up on vaccines before I go.

Peace
Dan

TravisTheSky · February 2010

OutOfBreath wrote:

Children are very capable to die of measles for instance.

From Dr. Tenpenny: "In 1955, the death rate from measles was less than 3 per ten million; that was eight years before the measles vaccination campaign began in 1963." [Here she is referencing Achievements In Public Health 1900-1999 Impact of Vaccines Universally Recommended for Children]

Looks like vaccination saved us from that killer!

1998 Study Linking Autism to MMR Vaccine Is Retracted

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