Controversial vaccine researcher to speak in Charlotte

Andrew Wakefield, the controversial British researcher known for his now-discredited claim of a link between childhood vaccines and autism, will be the keynote speaker Sept. 12 at a “Healthy Kids … Naturally” conference in Charlotte.

His 1998 publication, suggesting that gastrointestinal issues in austistic children may be linked to the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine, was later retracted by the British medical journal The Lancet, which said elements of the manuscript had been falsified. Wakefield was barred from practicing medicine in the United Kingdom.

Wakefield continues to claim that government and pharmaceutical groups have engaged in vaccine propaganda and coverups to protect themselves from liability, loss of profits and embarrassment.

The forum is sponsored by People Advocating Vaccine Education, an organization of Charlotte-area parents, and Dillon Natural Health. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Elizabeth Building on Central Piedmont Community College’s main campus, 1231 Elizabeth Ave. The program begins at 9:15 a.m.

Seating is limited. Registration is $49 before Aug. 31, $59 Sept. 1-10, and $75 at the door (first come, first served). For information: http://event.vaccineeducation.org/.

This story was originally published August 18, 2015 at 3:43 PM with the headline "Controversial vaccine researcher to speak in Charlotte."