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10/09/2004
New study rejects MMR's autism link
There is no link between the MMR vaccine and an increased risk of autism in children, according to a study published in The Lancet today.
In what has been described as the most detailed and comprehensive studies on the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and autism carried out to date, no evidence was found to support a linkage.
This latest analysis refutes the results of Dr Andrew Wakefield's small-scale study, published in The Lancet in 1998, which suggested an autism connection - sparking off the MMR controversy.
The Medical Research Council (MRC) research team examined the medical records of 5,000 children registered with hundreds of general practices across England and Wales to identify whether those with autism, or other pervasive development disorders (PDDs), were more likely to have received MMR.
After comparing the vaccination histories of children diagnosed with PDDs and those who had no recorded diagnosis of these conditions, the authors concluded that there was "no evidence to support a connection between MMR and autism".
Dr Liam Smeeth, one of the lead scientists, said that the conclusions had been "consistent with evidence from a growing body of high-quality scientific studies".
"It is now time to move on and focus on research into other potential causes of autism which is urgently needed,” he said.
A Department of Health official welcomed the findings, saying they corroborated the findings of other international studies. The department spokesperson added that MMR had been recognised by the World Health Organisation as having an "outstanding safety record".
Following the controversy surrounding the safety of the MMR vaccine, it has been estimated that fewer than 82% of British children have been given the jab - which means that vaccination levels are now below that needed to avoid a measles epidemic.
(mmcg/gmcg)
In what has been described as the most detailed and comprehensive studies on the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and autism carried out to date, no evidence was found to support a linkage.
This latest analysis refutes the results of Dr Andrew Wakefield's small-scale study, published in The Lancet in 1998, which suggested an autism connection - sparking off the MMR controversy.
The Medical Research Council (MRC) research team examined the medical records of 5,000 children registered with hundreds of general practices across England and Wales to identify whether those with autism, or other pervasive development disorders (PDDs), were more likely to have received MMR.
After comparing the vaccination histories of children diagnosed with PDDs and those who had no recorded diagnosis of these conditions, the authors concluded that there was "no evidence to support a connection between MMR and autism".
Dr Liam Smeeth, one of the lead scientists, said that the conclusions had been "consistent with evidence from a growing body of high-quality scientific studies".
"It is now time to move on and focus on research into other potential causes of autism which is urgently needed,” he said.
A Department of Health official welcomed the findings, saying they corroborated the findings of other international studies. The department spokesperson added that MMR had been recognised by the World Health Organisation as having an "outstanding safety record".
Following the controversy surrounding the safety of the MMR vaccine, it has been estimated that fewer than 82% of British children have been given the jab - which means that vaccination levels are now below that needed to avoid a measles epidemic.
(mmcg/gmcg)
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23 February 2004
GMC asked to investigate MMR research allegations
A doctor at the centre of a controversy over research methods used in the investigation that linked the MMR vaccine with autism has said he would welcome an investigation into his work.
GMC asked to investigate MMR research allegations
A doctor at the centre of a controversy over research methods used in the investigation that linked the MMR vaccine with autism has said he would welcome an investigation into his work.
22 September 2009
Adults Also Suffering From Autism
The world's first ever study into the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders among adults shows that one in every hundred adults living in households has the condition – broadly the same rate as that cited for children.
Adults Also Suffering From Autism
The world's first ever study into the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders among adults shows that one in every hundred adults living in households has the condition – broadly the same rate as that cited for children.
05 February 2008
No Link Between MMR Jab And Development Of Autism
A substantial new study into the effects of the MMR Vaccination has presented no evidence to link it to children developing autism.
No Link Between MMR Jab And Development Of Autism
A substantial new study into the effects of the MMR Vaccination has presented no evidence to link it to children developing autism.
08 August 2012
ASA Warns Website Over MMR Claims
A parenting medical advice website has been ordered to remove information about the MMR jab, after publishing claims that it could be linked to autism. Babyjabs.co.uk had said the three-in-one jab may be causing "up to 10%" of autism in children in the UK.
ASA Warns Website Over MMR Claims
A parenting medical advice website has been ordered to remove information about the MMR jab, after publishing claims that it could be linked to autism. Babyjabs.co.uk had said the three-in-one jab may be causing "up to 10%" of autism in children in the UK.
01 April 2011
Improved Services For Adults With Autism
Local organisations will be able to access new tools from today that will help improve the health and wellbeing of adults with autism, announced Care Services Minister Paul Burstow. The new tools have been launched on the eve of World Autism Day.
Improved Services For Adults With Autism
Local organisations will be able to access new tools from today that will help improve the health and wellbeing of adults with autism, announced Care Services Minister Paul Burstow. The new tools have been launched on the eve of World Autism Day.
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