Retracted MMR-Autism Study Fueled Anti-Vax Sentiment, Says Brown Professor
A controversial scientific paper published in The Lancet, claiming a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, was later retracted due to fabricated findings. This led to increased anti-vaccine sentiments and a surge in measles cases. Emily Oster, a Brown University professor, argues for providing Americans with relevant, nuanced information to make informed choices, rather than being told what to do.
The Lancet's retracted paper, published in 1998, sparked a wave of anti-vaccine attitudes. This resurgence was reignited during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 1 in 12 Americans identifying as anti-vaxxers in 2021. Oster, an economist, believes public health depends on providing comprehensive information, including potential side effects and scientific uncertainties.
Oster and economist Russ Roberts, who discussed her views on the EconTalk podcast, agree that the decline in trust of public health officials is due to a lack of transparency. They suggest that acknowledging uncertainty and explaining tradeoffs is crucial. Oster acknowledges that some individuals may still avoid vaccines or treatments despite full information, but complete information allows for better individual choices.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of informed decision-making. With over 1.2 million deaths and a $16 trillion economic cost in the U.S., Oster and Roberts believe that enabling individuals to make their own decisions, based on transparent, nuanced information, is key to preventing history from repeating itself in future public health crises.
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