Final answer:
The Wakefield study claimed a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, which was proven to be flawed due to falsification and conflicts of interest. The rarity of diseases like measles is attributed to successful vaccination programs, and these diseases are still vaccinated against to prevent outbreaks and maintain herd immunity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The conclusions from the Wakefield autism study claimed a link between the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine and autism. However, it is considered a flawed study due to data falsification, research design problems, and a significant conflict of interest; the lead researcher had a financial interest in establishing a link. Furthermore, large-scale epidemiological studies have since disproven any connection between vaccines and autism.
Diseases like measles, polio, and mumps are rare these days largely due to the effectiveness of vaccines. Continued vaccination is necessary to maintain herd immunity and prevent the resurgence of these diseases, as seen in recent outbreaks where vaccination rates have dropped.
Retractions of published studies like Wakefield's are critical in informing the scientific community and the public when serious issues compromise research integrity. This case underlines the importance of relying on multiple, well-controlled studies and understanding that correlation does not imply causation.
The rise in autism rates coinciding with the increase in the number of vaccines given is likely a coincidence, with the onset of autism symptoms typically occurring around the same age vaccines are administered.