MMR and autism: further evidence against a causal association

Vaccine. 2001 Jun 14;19(27):3632-5. doi: 10.1016/s0264-410x(01)00097-4.

Abstract

The hypothesis that MMR vaccines cause autism was first raised by reports of cases in which developmental regression occurred soon after MMR vaccination. A previous study found no evidence to support this hypothesis. It has recently been suggested that MMR vaccine might cause autism, but that the induction interval need not be short. The data from the earlier study were reanalysed to test this second hypothesis. Our results do not support this hypothesis, and provide further evidence against a causal association between MMR vaccination and autism.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Autistic Disorder / chemically induced*
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Immunization Schedule
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine / administration & dosage
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine / adverse effects*
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine