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May 13, 2002

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Scottish Expert Group Finds no Link Between MMR and Autism" British Medical Journal Online (www.bmj.com) (05/11/02) Vol. 324, P. 1118; Bryan, Christie

In Scotland, an expert group recently issued a report on the use of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, asserting that it remains the best way to protect children from these illnesses. The group was appointed by the Scottish Executive to investigate the safety of the triple vaccine, the apparent rise in autism cases, and whether an alternative vaccination policy should be implemented.  In the report, the group stated that the MMR vaccine is by far the safest option, but it did recommend that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization should monitor the situation for any vaccination contraindications.  In addition, the report found that single vaccines are generally less effective in immunizing babies.  This is because six injections are necessary with single injections, as opposed to two injections for MMR, thereby increasing the risk of children not getting all the shots they require.  The group also concluded that there is no current scientific evidence to support a link between the MMR vaccine and cases of inflammatory bowel disease and autism.

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