Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, autism and inflammatory
bowel disease: advising concerned parents.
Elliman DA, Bedford HE.
Department of Child Health, St George's Hospital, Tooting, London, England.
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine has been used for almost 30 years in
the US, 20 years in Sweden and Finland, and over 10 years in most of the rest of
Europe. During this time, it has brought about a dramatic reduction in the
morbidity and mortality due to measles and mumps, as well as a considerable
reduction in the number of babies with the congenital rubella syndrome. In spite
of extensive evidence confirming the efficacy and safety of the vaccine,
concerns have recently been raised about a possible link with autism and bowel
problems. These arose principally from a research group in the UK, but have now
spread to other countries. In the UK this has caused a fall in the uptake of the
vaccine with fears of possible outbreaks of measles and mumps in some groups of
children. Over the last 3 years a number of studies have addressed this possible
link between MMR and autism and inflammatory bowel disease. Studies from the US,
UK, Sweden, and Finland have all failed to demonstrate a link. Amongst others,
the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child
Health, the Institute of Medicine, and the World Health Organization have all
considered the evidence and endorsed the continuing use of the vaccine. No
regulatory body in the world has changed its policy as a result of this
hypothesized link. Professionals and parents can be assured that MMR is well
tried and tested and one of the most successful interventions in healthcare.
ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND
MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS
OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR
LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND
COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH
YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.