MMR jab not linked to child autism, study finds

There is no link between the MMR jab and autism, according to the largest published study on the issue.

Fears over a link in the Nineties led to a massive drop in the number of children having the jab for mumps, measles and rubella. Research on 12 children published in 1998 suggested a link between the vaccine, autism and bowel disease. Its lead author, Dr Andrew Wakefield, is now facing charges relating to the claims before the General Medical Council.

Today's research, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, involved almost 250 children aged between 10 and 12, from the south Thames area.

The study sought to test previous research that found raised levels of measles antibodies in children with autism spectrum disorders. It followed 98 children with autism, 52 with special educational needs but no evidence of autism, and 90 children who were normal. All had received an MMR jab, but not all had been given both the recommended doses.

The results showed no difference in measles infection or antibody levels between the groups. This was unaffected by whether or not a child received both MMR doses. The study also found no evidence of bowel symptoms (enterocolitis) among the autistic children.

The researchers included experts from Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust, King's College London, and the Health Protection Agency.