IOM Study Finds No Link Between Vaccination and Autism
There is no evidence linking the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to the "dramatic rise" in autism among children, according to a new report released Monday by the Institute of Medicine. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the findings were drafted by a panel of 15 scientists who based their conclusions on a "comprehensive review" of previously published studies as well as ongoing research (Collins, Philadelphia Inquirer, 4/24). A 1998 British study suggested a connection between the vaccine and an increased incidence in autism (AP/Richmond Times-Dispatch, 4/24). In 1999 and 2000, the House Government Reform Committee held hearings on the on the issue, prompting the CDC and the NIH to request the IOM report (Carroll, Wall Street Journal, 4/24). The new IOM study "debunked" the findings of the British research, stating that since the study only included 12 children, it was "too small to prove anything." In addition, the IOM report pointed to other problems with the study, including possible selection bias by researchers (Philadelphia Inquirer, 4/24). However, the IOM panel said it "could not exclude the possibility" that the vaccine could contribute to autism in "a small number of children," and urged further testing. The report concluded that no changes should be made in how the vaccine is administered (Wall Street Journal, 4/24). The MMR vaccine is given to children at 12 months and then again at age four and is required before a child can enter school in the United States. IOM officials said that the panel members "had no connection to vaccine manufacturers or to federal regulatory agencies" (Philadelphia Inquirer, 4/24). To read a copy of the report, go to
http://www.nap.edu/books/0309074479/html/.