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CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES IN AUTISM: The Measles,
Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine
Sheila Hollins (UK)
The number of children diagnosed with autism is rising. What
is being done to find out the causes of autism? Is the Measles,
Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine responsible for the increased
prevalence?
The Medical Research Council's (2002) wide-ranging review of
autism research outlines the current state of knowledge on the
prevalence and incidence of autism. There is general agreement
that the prevalence of autism is around 6 in 1,000 children under
eight years of age, of whom about two thirds will also have intellectual
disabilities. The review notes that the apparent increase in the
prevalence of autism is likely to have resulted from better diagnosis
and greater consensus regarding the defining characteristics of
autism, as well as increased awareness about it. However, it points
out that these factors may not account for the increase on their
own.
The review confirms that many factors are associated with a diagnosis
of autism. The strongest evidence to date identifies a major genetic
component.
Several genes may operate together to create susceptibility to
autism. It is plausible that behaviours associated with autism
might be derived from a number of different genetic combinations.
Further, such environmental factors as exposure to drugs, infections
or heavy metals before or after birth might interact with a genetic
susceptibility. Such potential links merit rigorous examination.
The report asserts that there is no evidence to support a causal
link between the MMR vaccine and autism. The suggested link between
the MMR vaccine, inflammatory bowel disease and autism and the
issue of separate (single) vaccines has also been considered by
the Government's independent expert committees i.e. the Joint
Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation and the Committee on the
Safety of Medicines. Their view is that, on the scientific evidence
available, there is no causal link between MMR, bowel disease
and autism.
The MMR vaccine has been used extensively around the world for
nearly 30 years. Over 500 million doses have been given in over
90 countries.
The UK has never recommended three separate injections, and no
other country is known to recommend three single vaccines rather
than the MMR vaccine. Separate vaccines leave children unnecessarily
at risk of infection from measles, mumps or rubella whilst waiting
for the remaining vaccinations.
The recommendations regarding MMR are supported by the World Health
Organisation, British Medical Association, Royal College of General
Practitioners, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health,
Royal College of Nursing and the Community Practitioners and Health
Visitors Association.
References
Medical Research Council (2002) Review of Autism Research: Epidemiology
and Causes. London, MRC.
http://www.mrc.ac.uk
http://wwwmmrthefacts.nhs.uk
http://www.doh.gov.uk/mmr/index.html
This article was first published on the site in 2002.
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