As a measles outbreak continues to impact some states, a new study finds that getting the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine does not cause autism.
Danish researchers conducted a cohort study that examined the medical records of more than 657,000 children born in the country. Compared to children who didn’t get the MMR vaccine, there was no increased risk of autism in those who did, according to research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
In addition, there was no increased risk for autism among those who received other childhood vaccinations or those who had a sibling with autism.
Despite the benefits the vaccine provides against measles, many parents choose not to vaccinate their children with the MMR or other vaccines. One of the Danish researchers, Anders Hviid, with the Statens Serum Institute in Copenhagen, told HealthDay News that despite the findings, he doesn’t expect many of those who are considered “anti-vaxxers” to be swayed.
“I do not think we can convince the so-called anti-vaxxers,” Hviid said. “I am more concerned about the perhaps larger group of parents who encounter anti-vaccine pseudoscience and propaganda on the Internet, and become concerned and uncertain.”
