In 1998, an article appeared in the British journal Lancet describing a link between 12 children with autism and the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine. This was widely criticized, and a study by the same hospital looking at the same data refuted the claim. In 1999, two studies from the same hospital looking at autism cases from 1979 through 1999 found no association between MMR and autism. Further studies in Japan found that the original claim was based upon data which could have been caused by cross-reaction of antigens rather than actual measles virus. Nevertheless, this remains a very controversial subject. One thing that is clear, however, is that the risk of measles to an unvaccinated child is much higher than the risk of autism to a vaccinated individual. In addition, a reduction in immunization rates in the population as a whole increases the risk of a resurgence of the disease. In summary, while the subject is controversial, currently available data indicate no causal relationship between MMR vaccination and autism.

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