Passage: Andrew Wakefield and Vaccines (GF)

BEFORE READING: Have you ever heard the statement, "vaccines cause autism"? If so, what do you think of that statement?

BEFORE READING: What do you think that the article will say about the link between vaccines and autism?

Who is Andrew Wakefield?

• Andrew Wakefield is a politician known for healthcare reforms.
• Andrew Wakefield is a former British doctor known for his discredited research linking vaccines to autism.
• Andrew Wakefield is a renowned scientist in genetics.

What was the main claim of Andrew Wakefield's 1998 study?

• Vaccines cause autism

• MMR vaccine is linked to autism and bowel disease

• Vaccines are completely safe

• MMR vaccine prevents autism

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Understanding

How did the public's perception of MMR vaccination change in the UK after Wakefield's study?

• Public perception became negative, leading to decreased vaccination rates and increased fear of the MMR vaccine.
• Public perception improved, leading to increased vaccination rates.
• Public perception shifted positively, with widespread support for the MMR vaccine.
• Public perception remained unchanged, with stable vaccination rates.

What did the 2004 investigation by Brian Deer reveal about Wakefield?

What was the outcome of the GMC investigation in 2007?

After Andrew Wakefield's study was discredited, what did other studies find?

What ethical codes did Andrew Wakefield violate? Name as many as you can. (Use the attached picture.)

Do you feel that Andrew Wakefield's license being revoked is an appropriate punishment? (Does it go too far, or not far enough?)