MMR Vaccine is safe: Experts

Reuters, London

An independent scientific advisory committee that has reviewed the latest research on the MMR vaccine said there is no evidence of a causal link between the controversial jab and autism or bowel disease.

The Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM), which advises the government on medicines, said the vaccine is safe and effective in preventing measles, mumps and rubella and any adverse effects are far outweighed by its benefits. "On reviewing the scientific research the CSM has concluded that the accumulating body of evidence in no way supports a causal link between MMR vaccination and autism or bowel disease", it said in a statement.

But parents of autistic children and some British doctors remained unconvinced despite reassurances and urged the government to make single vaccines more available. Dr. Richard Halveson, a family doctor who administers the single vaccine through the National Health Service, said it should be an option for all parents.

He told a news conference that many parents want to protect their children from the diseases but will not allow them to receive the MMR vaccination. The only other option is a single vaccine. "It is ridiculous that the government is now allowing them to have this alternative," Halveson said.

Dr. Alain Sanouillier, a French doctor who has worked in Britain for four years, said he believes the MMR is safe but more research is needed. Unlike in Britain, French parents have the option of single or multiple vaccines, he added. Fears that the triple vaccine can cause autism and bowel problems have led to a drop in the number of children being vaccinated and outbreaks of measles in various parts of country.