Parent wonders: "Why so much effort into Dr Wakefield instead of vaccine safety?"

This page is research from an investigation by Brian Deer for the UK's Channel 4 Television and The Sunday Times of London into a campaign linking the MMR children's vaccine with autism. | Go to part I: The Lancet scandal | Go to part II: The Wakefield factor

The scare was launched and sustained by Dr Andrew Wakefield, a British former gut surgeon, who in 2005 launched a business in Austin, Texas, off the back of the concern he created. This business, Thoughtful House, is now the vehicle for his continuining crusade, notably offering colonoscopies for children, and garnering support from parents, such as Holly Austin, who writes below

Dear Brian -

I first want to point out that in your website in the piece form Violet magazine with Dixie Chick - it writes that it is Anthony Wakefield - I am with the understanding that it is Andrew Wakefield - correct me please if I am wrong. If this is a mistake by Violet magazine than please disregard.

I also am wondering why you have put so very much effort into Dr. Wakefield instead of the actual safety of vaccinations instead. Why have you not spent time proving that vaccines are safe and effective- and that they have not caused my child or others Autism. I assume it is becuase that is so very hard to do!! I have personally met Dr. Wakefield, I believe he has great integrity and is overall a wonderful person. I do not believe that MMR has caused the Autism in my child, and that is only because I have not given my child the MMR and WILL NOT do so until someone can tell me that it is safe!!! The truth seems to be that there are Autisms - more than one type!!

Oh and back to the Dixie Chick statement that you say is giving medical advice - that is absolutely wrong. It is good parenting advice and there is scientific evidence behind it. If you spent your time researching this instead of picking apart all of the things that Dr. Wakefield says or writes, you may have a much better understanding of this. There is absoultely no reason to insult the immune system with more than one virus at a time. It can be done safeer and that is what we all hope for.

I know that since Dr Wakefield has been a claimant against you, it probably continues your plight to portray him for what you believe he is. For us parents who will gladly accept anyone who is willing to do ANY science into the cause of Autism - He has been the first person to take a stand that he has found something abnormal in the GI tract when most doctors say that constant GI distress is normal and nothing to worry about!! I have the utmost respect for Dr. Wakefield despite your attempts to discredit him. I imagine my email is probably one of many and thank you for at least reading it.

I hope that this year will bring about the much needed science into the cause of Autism and I have no doubt in my mind that the MMR has a hand in the cause of some cases of Autism. I hope you will put your dislike of Dr. Wakefield personally aside and look at what he has done for Autistic children.

Sincerely,

Holly Austin