Changes

Report, press conference, and video unsettled the Britisch public. A heated debate followed, in which both sides used Wakefield's research as arguments. He was publicly criticized, with his critics expressing doubts regarding correctness as well as ethics of his research. Government and National Health Service (NHS) emphasized that extensive epidemiological data showed no correlation between MMR vaccination and developmental disorders. Many parents refused to believe this, since official information had been discredited earlier, as in the case of BSE. Government was accused that their true motif for rejecting single vaccinations was the higher cost of these. As a result, MMR vaccination rates decreased from 92% (1996) to 84% (2002). It was suspected that only 60% of neccessary MMR vaccinations were performed in some districts of London which is substantially below what is needed for herd immunity of measles. Although no measles epidemic occured so far, physicians warned that epidemics were possible since the number of infections was increasing.

Report, press conference, and video unsettled the Britisch public. A heated debate followed, in which both sides used Wakefield's research as arguments. He was publicly criticized, with his critics expressing doubts regarding correctness as well as ethics of his research. Government and National Health Service (NHS) emphasized that extensive epidemiological data showed no correlation between MMR vaccination and developmental disorders. Many parents refused to believe this, since official information had been discredited earlier, as in the case of BSE. Government was accused that their true motif for rejecting single vaccinations was the higher cost of these. As a result, MMR vaccination rates decreased from 92% (1996) to 84% (2002). It was suspected that only 60% of neccessary MMR vaccinations were performed in some districts of London which is substantially below what is needed for herd immunity of measles. Although no measles epidemic occured so far, physicians warned that epidemics were possible since the number of infections was increasing.

One issue in the dispute was that only the combined vaccine is available via NHS. Parents rejecting this vaccine can either pay for single vaccinations out of their own pockets or not vaccinate at all. Then Prime Minister Tony Blair üublically defended the MMR vaccine, but at the same time refused to comment the vaccination status of his youngest son Leo.

One issue in the dispute was that only the combined vaccine is available via NHS. Parents rejecting this vaccine can either pay for single vaccinations out of their own pockets or not vaccinate at all. Although Prime Minister Tony Blair publically defended the MMR vaccine, he refused to comment the vaccination status of his youngest son Leo at the same time.

The majority of pediatricians prefer the combined vaccine, as it is less strenuous for the child, and many parents rather have one vaccination done instead of three.

The majority of pediatricians prefer the combined vaccine, as it is less strenuous for the child, and many parents rather have one vaccination done instead of three.

Epidemiological research on hundreds of thousands of children in numerous studies failed to indicate a link between MMR vaccination and autism. Critics of these studies, like the retired intern John Walker-Smith, despite being in support of the triple vaccine, labelled epidemiology a 'blunt tool' which does not neccesarily expose such connections.<ref>http://www.vaccinationnews.com/DailyNews/February2002/AutBowMeas.htm</ref> As an example, it is difficult to find to populations differing in vaccination only.

Epidemiological research on hundreds of thousands of children in numerous studies failed to indicate a link between MMR vaccination and autism. Critics of these studies, like the retired intern John Walker-Smith, although a supporter of the triple vaccine, labelled epidemiology a 'blunt tool' which does not necessarily expose such connections.<ref>http://www.vaccinationnews.com/DailyNews/February2002/AutBowMeas.htm</ref> As an example, it is difficult to find to populations differing in vaccination status only.

Dr.&nbsp;Wakefield gave up his position at the Royal Free Hospital in 2001 and now works for a controversial private hospital in the USA. His continued studies include research on possible immunological, metabolical, and pathological changes caused by "Autistic Enterocolitis", as well as connections between bowel diseases and neurological disorders in children and their possible connection to vaccines<ref>[http://www.thoughtfulhouse.org/bio_awakefield.htm A.&nbsp;Wakefield at his new employer]</ref>

Dr.&nbsp;Wakefield gave up his position at the Royal Free Hospital in 2001 and now works for a controversial private hospital in the USA. His continued studies include research on possible immunological, metabolical, and pathological changes caused by "Autistic Enterocolitis", as well as connections between bowel diseases and neurological disorders in children and a possible connection between these disorders and influences like vaccines<ref>[http://www.thoughtfulhouse.org/bio_awakefield.htm A.&nbsp;Wakefield at his new employer]</ref>

===Conflict of interest===

===Conflict of interest===