autism and mmr

There has been renewed controversy in recent weeks about a possible causal link between the combined MMR vaccine and autism.

The scientist at the centre of the controversy has had the validity of his assertions challenged with the result that many of his scientific and medical colleagues have distanced themselves from him and his claims.

Of particular concern was an undisclosed payment of £55,000 to the same scientist for a research study that could be viewed as a conflict of interests. The renewed media coverage has added still more confusion in the minds of parents.

The controversy began in 1998 – ten years after the triple MMR vaccine was first introduced.

Dr Andrew Wakefield, a gastroenterologist and a number of colleagues, claimed in an article published in the Lancet that there was a link between autism and gut disease and suggest that MMR may be to blame. The assertion was based on a description of 12 patients.

The popular press developed the story and the effect was both immediate and dramatic. Many parents became uncertain and confused, although the Government’s advice remained unchanged, ie that the triple vaccine was safe, supported by extensive research from around the world.

As a result of the perceived uncertainty, fuelled by extensive media interest, the take-up of MMR vaccine dropped from an average high of 92.5% in 1995/6 to 82% in 2002/3 with some areas of the country even lower. For example, in London, the take-up dropped to 72%. Today the average nationally is said to be 79%.

In 1988 when the MMR vaccine was introduced, there were 26,222 cases of measles with 16 deaths, more than 20,000 cases of mumps and 25,000 cases of rubella. By 1998 when the current controversy began, cases had reportedly dropped to 112 measles, 94 mumps and 122 rubella. Last year, there were 442 confirmed cases of measles, a near fourfold increase.

What is the position of The Disabilities Trust?
As a provider of services and support to children and adults with autism, our primary concern is with the life-long needs of those people. However, we inevitably get asked about the cause of autism, its incidence and its possible link to MMR. Our line has been consistent to parents and professionals alike:

During this controversy, The Disabilities Trust has been of the opinion, on balance, that all the time the overwhelming scientific evidence remains that the triple jab is safe, parents should continue to have their children vaccinated, especially as the risks from mumps, measles and rubella are very real for children who are unprotected. The Department of Health is a valuable source of guidance and advice on this issue.

The Trust, as a major provider of services to people with autism, understands just how difficult and distressing the onset of this disorder can be for parents.

Although we support the current advice offered by the Government, we would nonetheless welcome a thorough, comprehensive and independent investigation into the issue of MMR, bowel conditions and autism.

It is absolutely vital that any perceived uncertainty over this issue is removed once and for all and that all parents can be reassured that the vaccine is not a cause in the onset of autism”.

There is the question though of choice for parents who prefer to opt for individual vaccinations.

At the moment, availability is patchy. Although the Trust would not press for this option to be available – considering that the overwhelming evidence for the combined vaccine is safe – it may well be that the Government may review its position on this matter in due course. The indication at the moment is that it will not.

Cause and incidence of Autism
If MMR is not a cause of autism, it begs the question “what is?” Also, is the incidence increasing?

The answers to these questions are not clear, although the view that there is a genetic pre-disposition to the disorders that make up the autistic spectrum seems to be gaining more support, based on research evidence in the USA.

There is no real evidence that autism is on the increase. There is evidence though that diagnosis is increasing and the disorders that are labelled “autistic” seem to be expanding.

While the speculation continues, these are not matters that the Trust would wish to express a firm view about publicly.

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