‘No scientific evidence’ MMR vaccine causes autism
Decision not to administer MMR vaccine, ‘not in the child’s best interest’.
There was no scientific evidence that linked autism to the MMR vaccine and not administering the vaccine would not be in the child's best interest, the Health Department said today.
The Health Department was reacting to questions sparked by a judgement in an Italian court. The reports cast doubt on the safety of the MMR vaccine and whether it was true that the jab may cause autism.
The court's judgement, the superintendent for public health said, was based on a study published in Lancet medical journal in 1998.
"The study proved to be scientifically incorrect and fraudulent, so much so that the same journal withdrew it while the British Medical Council annulled the author's warrant," the Superintendent said.
The health department said several studies have been carried out and no scientific evidence was found which proved that the MMR vaccine caused autism.
Health authorities around the world and international organisations such as the World Health Organisation all recommend the administration of the vaccine.
The MMR jab is an immunization vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella. "All three diseases can lead to seirous, potentially fatal complications including permanent disabilities," the department said.
"The jab should be administered to all children, at 13 months, and between three and four years."