No link between MMR vaccines and autism

New Delhi: There are many myths surrounding MMR vaccines and autism. Dr. Amit Verma gives advices on the myth.

Scientifically the debate is over. The Lancet earlier in 2010 retracted a controversial article it had published back in 1998 that supposedly found a link between the MMR vaccine and children developing symptoms of autism.

The study has been discredited and a panel found that the lead author of the study had acted unethically. But the fear persists, not least because autism and the causes of autism are still not well-understood.

Autism covers a spectrum of disorders from Asperger's Syndrome that is milder, to the more severe conditions that include social disability. There is no cure or preventive treatment. The fact is that the MMR vaccine is usually given between the ages of 12 and 18 months, which is also the most common age at which autism is diagnosed.

It's important to reiterate that measles, mumps and rubella are serious, potentially fatal diseases and parents really should not be holding off on vaccinating their babies.