What started the fear that vaccinations cause autism?

There is no scientific evidence that links vaccinations to autism. The fear of vaccines causing autism is based on a now-discredited study by Andrew Wakefield and colleagues published in the medical journal The Lancet in 1998. The study claimed to find a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, but it was later found to be fraudulent. Wakefield had falsified data and had a conflict of interest, as he was seeking funding for a competing vaccine. The study was retracted and Wakefield was found guilty of serious professional misconduct.

The idea that vaccines cause autism sparked media attention, leading to a decline in vaccine uptake and an increase in preventable disease outbreaks. Numerous scientific studies have been conducted since then and none have been able to find any credible evidence to support a link between vaccines and autism.