The anti-vax movement, highlighted by Andrew Wakefield's flawed research linking the MMR vaccine to autism, is not new, as vaccine skepticism has existed since the early 19th century. Previous movements opposed vaccines like diphtheria-tetanus-whooping cough and smallpox due to various critiques, including perceived religious and moral objections. The growing autism diagnosis rates observed from 1998 to 2018 contributed to public fear and skepticism towards vaccines. Vaccines are primarily developed to protect all individuals equally, yet the narrative surrounding them often lacks the complexity of healthcare's altruistic ambitions.
Andrew Wakefield's infamous Lancet study falsely linked the MMR vaccine to autism, gaining traction due to public eagerness for conflicting evidence against vaccination.
Skepticism surrounding vaccination is not new; historical movements had previously contested the safety of vaccines since the introduction of smallpox vaccination in the early 1800s.
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