“Doctor blames Andrew Wakefield and anti-vaxxers for her baby son catching measles”
Dr Eleanor Draeger’s son contracted the disease measles. Draeger’s son got the disease when he was only 10 months old, which is too young to be vaccinated for the disease. Some parents have not gotten vaccinations for their children because of unjustified fears that some vaccinations may cause autism. Draeger blames another former doctor, Andrew Wakefield, for causing the problem.
Andrew Wakefield is a discredited researcher who published research that showed a link between vaccinations and autism. His research was faulty, however, and he lost his position as a doctor as a result. Even though his ideas have been proven to be false, some parents decide not to vaccinate their children as a result of fears of autism.
Prescribed Title # 5 is directly linked to this article (and the anti-vaccination movement as a whole). There are numerous elements of skepticism in this case. All scientific research is viewed with a degree of skepticism as part of the scientific process. Research is reviewed by peers, by editors of academic journals, etc. This skepticism is important in judging that scientific standards are met. Andrew Wakefield’s research was still published though even with its flaws which indicates that the scientific review process should be viewed with some skepticism.
Additionally, some people are skeptical of the advice of the medical community even when there is significant research about the benefit of vaccinations. These people may base their medical decisions on advice from friends, alternative medical practitioners, social media, etc. because the find these sources of information more trustworthy.
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