- Knowledgebase: Immunization Questions
- Questions about immunizations, side effects, and not vaccinating.
- 8. News Release from AAP: MMR and Autism- no Link - Top
- News Release
EVIDENCE DOESN'T SUPPORT VACCINE/AUTISM LINK
New report adds to mounting studies
For Immediate Release: April 23, 2001
The following statement is from Steve Berman, M.D., president, American Academy of Pediatrics:
"The report issued today by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and an alleged link to autism joins a mounting list of studies and reports that do not find a causal connection. Most recently, studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) March issue and the British Medical Journal's February issue reached the same conclusion. The May issue of Pediatrics, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), will also contain a similar report about MMR and autism.
"Ever since this theory was first proposed by one scientist, the scientific community has been trying to prove whether the theory is right or wrong, all in the interest of child health. The conclusions of the IOM report and those of the soon to be released report in Pediatrics should lessen the worries of parents who have wondered whether or not to have their child immunized.
"The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend that parents fully vaccinate their children in order to prevent dangerous diseases like measles. Although there has been a suggestion by a few people about separating the combination MMR vaccine into three separate shots, there is no medical reason to so.
"As pediatricians we support aggressive research into the causes, treatment and prevention of autism. Autism is a very serious but poorly understood condition. Many important questions about its causes and management need to be addressed."
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 55,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
- Updated: June 26, 2001
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