Discussion of the Relationship Between Autism and Vaccines

DISCUSS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AUTISM AND VACCINES

In the year 1971, Doctor Edward Jenner performed the first inoculation on an eight year old boy thereby paving the way for future vaccines to be created. The vaccines were labelled as one of the modern medical miracles and consequently the use of vaccines increased during the 1900’s. However, it was during this time as well when the number of autism cases among the public increased (Uno, Uchiyama, Kurosawad, Aleksic, Ozakia; 2015). Consequently, the accumulating use of vaccines among babies was one of the main reasons why the inception of the relationship between vaccines and autism began, according to Taylor (2006). Numerous and thorough case studies were carried out to investigate the link and these indicated no relationship between the two. However the speculation of the relationship between autism and vaccines has caused doubt among the public as many have opted against the use of vaccines. This article will discuss vaccines, their effectiveness and risks. It will proceed by discussing the link created between autism and vaccines. The article will discuss the research that initiated the relationship and more recent studies that support and refute the claim in order to draw an effective and informed conclusion.

Vaccines are substances that contain an agent that is a resemblance to the causative organism, made from a weakened or killed form of the pathogen. Upon administration, the body’s immune system will identify this as a foreign organism, thereby establishing immunity against the pathogen (Christine, Mihai, Liisa, Peter; 2013). When Doctor Edward Jenner carried out the first vaccination administration, a revolutionary medical application was brought about. As a result, its effects on the general public has gained significant appraisal since it has saved the lives of many from infectious deadly diseases. An article in the Lancet of a study done on 1602 children aged between fifteen and seventeen months...