Summary

• The anti-vaccine movement was significantly propelled by a fraudulent study by Andrew Wakefield claiming a link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
• Wakefield's study was later debunked and retracted due to ethical violations, financial conflicts of interest, and scientific misconduct.
• Despite the discrediting of Wakefield's work, the movement persists, driven by misinformation, fear, and influential individuals and groups profiting from anti-vaccine sentiment.
• Efforts to communicate the safety and necessity of vaccines continue, and understanding the history of the movement is key to counteracting its harmful effects.