Wakefield Study

The Wakefield Study, published in 1998 by Andrew Wakefield, claimed a link between the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) and autism. This paper sparked public fear and led to a decline in vaccination rates. However, it was later revealed that the study was flawed: it had a small sample size, lacked rigorous scientific methodology, and was influenced by conflicts of interest. Subsequent research found no credible evidence supporting the vaccine-autism link. The study was retracted in 2010, and Wakefield lost his medical license, highlighting the importance of reliable research in public health.