Scientists and autism campaigners have urged Amazon and Apple to remove from their services an anti-vaccination documentary – Vaxxed – made by discredited doctor Andrew Wakefield who falsely links vaccines with autism.
Wakefeld was struck off in 2010 for his fraudulent claims that linked autism with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. His study led to a sharp fall in vaccination rates.
Vaxxed has been reportedly put on sale on iTunes, Amazon Instant Video and Vimeo, a popular YouTube-style streaming service.
Now a member of the “anti-vaxxer” movement in the US, there are concerns among scientists that Wakefield is spearheading a campaign that could disrupt vaccination programmes in Europe. Wakefield reportedly spoke at a screening of Vaxxed in London last Tuesday.
Simon Singh, founder of the pro-science charity Good Thinking, said the documentary should be withdrawn, adding: “If they (the companies) are willing to put profit above public health then they are free to do so but it would be hugely disappointing.”
