The Center for American Progress reports:
A large new study--which was published just in time for National Infant Immunization Week--is being hailed as the final "nail in the coffin" of the persistent conspiracy theory that [the vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) is] linked to autism.
[...]In the years since [disgraced British doctor Andrew] Wakefield's [completely discredited] research on the topic, several different studies have reaffirmed the safety of the recommended childhood vaccination schedule. No credible evidence has emerged that vaccines have any effect on autism rates.
Now, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has ruled out a potential vaccine-autism link even among a small group of children who are more at risk for the disorder. The review of nearly 100,000 children found (paywall) that even when toddlers have an older sibling who has been placed on the autism spectrum--which means they could have a greater chance of developing autism themselves--getting the MMR shot does nothing to increase that risk.
This still doesn't solve the Jenny McCarthy (bimbo) problem:
A lie can go around the world while the truth is lacing up its boots.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday May 07 2015, @09:11AM
And this theory was tested, and was found false. That's exactly what the article is about.
Of course, falsification of a conspiracy theory will just cause the followers to immunize it. And an immunized theory is no longer a theory, but superstition.
(Score: 1) by nitehawk214 on Sunday May 10 2015, @11:37AM
Well, those people are against immunization, so...
"Don't you ever miss the days when you used to be nostalgic?" -Loiosh