Does the MMR Vaccine Cause Autism?
A different issue is the question of harm from the mumps/measles/rubella vaccine. This vaccine does not and did not contain thimerosal; what it does contain is a big, fat dose of live viruses. Of course, most vaccines are based on live or dead viruses, but what makes this one different is (1) it contains not one but three different sets of viruses and (2) it is given to children when they are at the age when autism is likely to become evident.
How Did the MMR Vaccine Become So Controversial?
The concern over MMR began when Dr. Andrew Wakefield, a British gastroenterologist, tested 12 youngsters with and without autism and found a possible link between measles virus in the gut and autism. The theory is that certain children have a genetic predisposition to immune issues -- and that a variety of environmental toxins begin to attack the child's immune system early on. Then, explain researcher's at Wakefield's Texas-based foundation called "Thoughtful House," "The child develops a leaky gut, tissue damage gets worse, the immune system grows weaker, and autoimmune reactions start. Then a lot of children experience a catastrophic event. Either in the form of a significant illness or a live virus vaccine. The immune system is overwhelmed and the child rapidly goes downhill. Some parents report a gradual deterioration, but many children seem to develop autism after a particular event. They go into the hospital or they get an MMR shot and they’re never the same again. Autism is the end result of this developing series of reactions."
The CDC's Perspective
Again, the CDC and other major research institutions looked into the issue, and found no proof of connection between the MMR vaccine and autism. What they have found, however, is that a significant number (about 25%) of autistic children do have gastrointestinal problems. In addition, recent research does seem to suggest that autism is caused by some kind of interaction between genetic predispositions and environmental issues. As with the issue of thimerosal, there have been suggestions that research conducted by government agencies has been flawed or that evidence has been withheld from the public. The reason for this, say MMR opponents, is simple: researchers who work for NIH and CDC come from and return to large pharmaceutical firms -- and they and their firms have a great deal of money at risk.
MMR Options for Concerned Parents
As with thimerosal, parents now have an option regarding the MMR vaccine. According to those who are concerned with the multi-dose shot, dividing the MMR into three separate shots can make the difference. Parents can request single-dose vaccinations over a period of months rather than a single MMR shot.References:
CDC Factsheet on MMR and Autism
Thoughtful House FAQs
Email Interview with Thoughtful House research staff
Science Daily: "The Age of Autism:Pox Parts 1-4"
"Deadly Immunity" in Rolling Stone Magazine, June 20 2005
