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Link between MMR vaccine and autism ruled out by researchers
NO LINK has been found between the MMR jab and autism, doctors who led the largest-ever study into the controversial issue reveal today.
Fears the jab could cause autism led to a dramatic drop in the number of children being inoculated against measles, mumps and rubella.
Research published in The Lancet medical journal a decade ago suggested a link between the vaccine, autism and bowel disease, claiming to find raised concentrations of measles antibodies in children with autism.
In a study published today, nearly 100 children with autism were compared with 50 youngsters with special needs and 90 with no learning difficulties.
Each of the youngsters, who had all been vaccinated with MMR, gave blood samples to check for persistent measles infection.
Results showed no difference between the three groups and no evidence of bowel problems among autistic children.
Researchers included experts from Guy's Hospital in London, King's College London, Manchester University and the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
Prof David Salisbury, director of immunisation at the Department of Health, said: "It's natural for parents to worry about the health and well-being of their children and I hope that this study will reassure them that there is no evidence linking the MMR vaccine to autism."
Dr David Brown, from the HPA who worked on the research, added: "The study found no evidence linking MMR to autistic spectrum disorder and the paper adds to the overwhelming body of evidence from around the world supporting the use of MMR.
"Public confidence in the MMR vaccine continues to remain high as the uptake for those receiving their first dose has stayed stable. However, it is also important to remember that children should complete their full course of MMR vaccine for optimum protection."
Two other smaller studies have found the rate of autism in children who have never had the MMR vaccine is the same as those who have.
In August last year, the HPA urged parents to give their child MMR after cases of measles trebled in just 11 weeks.
Nearly 500 million doses of the vaccine have been given in 100 countries worldwide in the past 30 years.
Babies are given the first dose of MMR at about 13 months and get the second jab between three and five.
Between six and 12 children in every 1,000 are affected by autism spectrum disorders.
The study is published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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