The MMR vaccination debate – Analysis through the Schwarz and Thompson framework

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination was first introduced in the UK in 1988 [1]. Since then, cases of measles, mumps and rubella has steadily declined to very low rates [2]. Prior to its UK introduction, MMR has been in regular used in the US since 1972 and Scandinavia since 1982 [3] plus a number of European countries have adopted its usage. The wealth of experience that exists globally suggest that MMR is the best way to immunise children against these diseases. However, in 1998, Dr Andrew Wakefield published a paper linking the MMR injection with autism[4]. It caused public outcry which demanded the government to rethink its strategy to giving single vaccinations instead of the triple version. The debate between the risk of the MMR vaccination is still visible. Vaccinations of MMR has fallen to the rate of 82% the lowest figure since 1989 [5].