PUBLIC HEALTH


The truth about shots Physicians play key role in educating patients


Dallas obstetrician-gynecologist Deborah Fuller, MD, provides all of her patients with “the whole package of preventive health services,” which includes lifesaving vaccinations.


“Once you make it a


real and personal issue, many parents will come around.”


BY CRYSTAL ZUZEK In 1998, The Lancet published a case report by English physician Andrew Wakefield, MD, that linked the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to a new syndrome of autism and bowel disease. The report set off frenzied media coverage, and some critics say it led to thousands of unnecessary illnesses. The Lan- cet ultimately retracted the report. Fast forward 16 years, and the rescinded report has forever altered the dialogue physicians have with their patients about immunizations. Despite a 2011 British Medical Journal (BMJ) investigative report that alleged Dr. Wakefield falsified data in his study and had a financial conflict of interest, some devotees continue to follow Dr. Wakefield and cling to his findings. (Read “Bad Science,” March 2011 Texas Medi-


January 2014 TEXAS MEDICINE 31


BRETT BUCHANAN


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