Viral social media posts claim that MMR Vaccines cause Autism; Fact Check

Several viral posts and messages on social media and WhatsApp claim that the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine (MMR) causes autism. The viral posts urge people to refrain from taking this vaccine. It states that there is a link between MMR vaccine and autism.

The viral posts claim that MMR vaccines have the potential to cause colitis and lead to the development of autism spectrum disorders in individuals. The claims also cited a paper by Andrew Wakefield and a documentary based on vaccines that spoke about this link between the two.

FACT CHECK

The most widely cited work these viral posts use to substantiate their claim is the 1998 paper by Andrew Wakefield which stated that the MMR vaccine was linked to colitis and autism spectrum disorders. However, scientists have refuted this claim by Wakefield. Epidemiologist Senad Begic told UNICEF that Wakefield had a financial interest in the topic. He had registered his own vaccine against these diseases. Reports also stated that he had broken multiple ethical codes. His paper was retracted in 2010 and the doctor is now discredited and deregistered.

What is the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is a vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella. In India, MMR vaccinations are given by injection in two doses: 12 – 15 months, and 4 – 6 years. Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral diseases that can cause illness, disability, and even death in children. Its symptoms include severe allergic reactions on the body. According to the World Health Organization, the MMR vaccine has averted more than 30 million deaths globally in the last 20 years.

What does the WHO say?

The World Health Organization defines autism and autism spectrum disorders as “a diverse group of conditions. They are characterized by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication. Other characteristics are atypical patterns of activities and behaviours, such as difficulty with transition from one activity to another, a focus on details and unusual reactions to sensations.”

It states that autism can be caused by environmental and genetic factors. Claims of MMR vaccines causing autism or autism spectrum disorders arise from “methodological flaws” in research. The WHO has clearly stated that there is no evidence of a causal association between the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, and autism.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that vaccines do not cause ASD. In their 2013 research, they also added that vaccine ingredients do not cause autism.

In 2002, a Danish study that was conducted on more than half a million children also concluded that there was no link between measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination and autism. The study study showed that the risk of autism was similar in children who were vaccinated and in children who were not.

Hence, the viral claims are false.

CLAIM: The MMR vaccine causes autism.

CONCLUSION: Extensive studies and scientific evidence have overwhelmingly refuted any causal link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

RATING: Totally False —