Study: MMR Vaccine Doesn't Make Kids Sick
Researcher: 'Scientific Debate Is Dead'
POSTED: 11:00 a.m. EDT June 12, 2002
Parents need not fear that the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella gives children autism or
bowel disease, according to a newly released study.
The report reviewed more than 2,000 studies covering 50 years
that involved millions of children. One researcher said there
is no need for more study -- "The scientific debate is dead."
But there are some skeptics, including one woman who said the
researchers should have done new studies, not rehash old ones. The
woman is with a British-based support group for parents who believe
the vaccine damaged their children.
The authors also considered the study that raised the question of a possible relation between MMR and developmental disorder in 12 children with bowel symptoms.
They discounted the research because the study was retrospective -- parents surveyed up to eight years after vaccination -- and small. It also lacked a control group and was selective in its sample, the researchers said.
The study was conducted by a British analysis firm for the
publishing arm of the British Medical Association. It is in the
Internet version of the journal Clinical Evidence.
The report reviewed more than 2,000 studies covering 50 years
that involved millions of children. One researcher said there
is no need for more study -- "The scientific debate is dead."
But there are some skeptics, including one woman who said the
researchers should have done new studies, not rehash old ones. The
woman is with a British-based support group for parents who believe
the vaccine damaged their children.
The authors also considered the study that raised the question of a possible relation between MMR and developmental disorder in 12 children with bowel symptoms.
They discounted the research because the study was retrospective -- parents surveyed up to eight years after vaccination -- and small. It also lacked a control group and was selective in its sample, the researchers said.
The study was conducted by a British analysis firm for the
publishing arm of the British Medical Association. It is in the
Internet version of the journal Clinical Evidence.
Copyright 2002 by Lifewhile.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
