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No Link Between MMR Vaccine and Autism

A large, nationwide cohort study reaffirms the absence of any correlation between vaccine and the condition.

Although virtually no data indicate an association between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism, speculation persists. These investigators used national registry data in Denmark to evaluate whether MMR-vaccination status was related to diagnoses of autism and other autistic-spectrum disorders (ASDs) in children born from January 1, 1991, through December 31, 1998.

Of the 537,303 children in the cohort, 440,655 (82%) received the MMR vaccine. Autism was diagnosed in 263 vaccinated children (5.9%) and 53 unvaccinated children (5.4%); ASD was diagnosed in 345 vaccinated children (7.8%) and 77 unvaccinated children (7.9%). After adjustment for potential confounders, the risks for autism and ASDs were similar in vaccinated and unvaccinated children (relative risks, 0.92 for autism; 0.83 for ASDs).

Comment: Short of a randomized clinical trial, which is unlikely to occur, this nationwide cohort study provides the best confirmation that there is no association between MMR vaccination and autism or ASDs. These data are critical in our campaign to boost public confidence in the MMR vaccine.

— Howard Bauchner, MD

Published in Journal Watch Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine November 25, 2002

Citation(s):

Madsen KM et al. A population-based study of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination and autism. N Engl J Med 2002 Nov 7; 347:1477-82.

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