Does the MMR vaccine cause an increase on the incidence of Autism - Research Paper Example

Would these statistical record of claims are considered apparent proof that MMR vaccine really cause an increase in the incidence of autism? Thorough analysis on the statistical report will reveal the possible reasons of the alarming increase on rates of autism cases. In this discussion, how the controversy started will also be highlighted. The government faced the challenging controversy and seemingly performed its tasks in tackling the issues and the problems of claim brought about by the controversial issue of linking autism case increase to administering of MMR vaccinations.

Yet, even there is no scientific research that proved true of the relation of MMR vaccines to rising number of autism cases claims, we cannot ignore the fact that there are victims of morbid complications of maybe improper administration of some vaccines. Indeed, the government is working at its best in dealing the problems. Does the MMR Vaccine Cause an Increase on the Incidence of Autism? Vaccinations, which cause the immune system to produce antibodies against diseases that a person has never had before, have been considered as important measures in saving lives especially infant lives.

Through vaccinations, children acquire immunity from some diseases. In most part of the world where childhood shots are readily available, routine immunizations have believed to be an influential factor in dramatic declines in the incidence of targeted childhood diseases. Thus, in many places around the world, routine series of immunizations is somehow mandatory, though the number of boosters required may vary. In fact, for most Americans today, administering vaccines have been a routine part of their healthcare.

“According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), children younger than two years old need to be vaccinated at least once against a series of diseases,” wherein the recommended common vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, chickenpox, whooping cough or pertussis, diphtheria, bacterial meningitis, influenza, pneumococcal disease and rotavirus (Bocco, 2010). Actually, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in general agreement with similar agencies around the world, are recommending combination vaccines, such as MMR (for measles, mumps, and rubella), given in one shot, to help reduce the number of shots a child receives (“Your Child’s Immunizations”, n.d., para.7). However, recently, questions have arisen regarding commonly accepted practices of immunization especially to children due to some reported allegations of morbid complications of vaccinations.

Such assertion particularly relating MMR vaccinations as a contributing factor to increased incidence of autism. How the Alleged Controversy Started The controversial issue of increasing rates of autism to children linking to side effects of MMR vaccinations was possibly heightened by the hypothetical studies presented by Andrew Wakefield and his colleagues. According to AAP (2009), “those who claim that MMR causes autism often cite two papers by Andrew Wakefield and colleagues”, hence, their Immunization section summarized and noted these two articles presented (para.1) The first article was published in 1998, in the Lancet medical journal, entitled "Ileal-lymphoid-nodular hyperplasia, non-specific colitis, and pervasive developmental disorder in children.

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