MMR vaccine side effects do NOT include autism – where the myth came from explained

Scientists recommend giving children the MMR vaccine, after the myth linking the vaccine to autism was quashed.

There have been numerous scientific studies that found no link between the vaccine and the developmental disability.

Almost 1.3 million children were studied in 2014, to see if the vaccination led to autism.

They found the vaccine didn’t have any association with autism development, scientists revealed.

“In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides no evidence of a relationship between vaccination and autism or autism spectrum disorders,” said the researchers, from the University of Sydney,

“As such, [we] advocate the continuation of immunisation programmes according to national guidelines.”

As with all vaccinations, parents must weigh up the benefits and risks of the treatment, the researchers said.

But, in this case, the “data consistently shows the lack of evidence for an association between autism and vaccination”, they added.

The myth started in 1998, when Andrew Wakefield published a scientific report, claiming the vaccine could trigger autism.

The study was reported in 2004, and the claims became more popular.

But, the report was retracted in 2010, over ethics and misrepresentation concerns.

Wakefield’s medical license was also rescinded.

MMR is a “safe and effective” vaccine that protects against three separate illnesses in one single injection, according to the NHS.

Measles, mumps and rubella are all high contagious conditions that are potentially fatal. The conditions can also lead to meningitis, brain swelling, and deafness.

The vaccine is completely free with the NHS, and is given to babies as part of their routine vaccination schedule.

It’s usually given to them just before their first birthday.