MMR vaccination complications : is it time to lay the myth to rest?

Abstract

Recent, media-hyped controversy has centred on whether there is any link between the combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism or inflammatory bowel disease. The exhaustive available evidence fails to support any such association, yet the known high morbidity and mortality from these conditions has not prevented a small group of concerned parents from failing to vaccinate their children. This paper will outline the reasons and misconceptions behind the current MMR scare. Further efforts are necessary to completely allay the public's unfounded fears.