Forum Brief: MMR vaccine

The prime minister has called for an end to the controversy surrounding the MMR vaccine.

Speaking on Monday, Tony Blair rejected any suggestion that the triple vaccine has any link with incidents of autism.

Government Response: Department of Health

A spokesperson for the Department of Health told ePolitix.com: "On the safety of MMR - MMR remains the best form of protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

"More than 500 million doses have been used around the world since the early '70s and it is recognised by the World Health Organisation as having an outstanding safety record.

"There is no credible scientific evidence showing an association between MMR and autism. The Wakefield study of 1998 actually said 'we did not prove an association between MMR vaccine and the syndrome described' and no studies undertaken since have been able to back the theory."

Forum Response: The Disabilities Trust

A spokesperson for the Disabilities Trust told ePolitix.com: "During this controversy, the Disabilities Trust has been of the opinion that on balance, while the overwhelming scientific view remains that the triple jab is safe, parents should continue to have their children vaccinated, especially as the risks from mumps, measles and rubella are very real.

"The Trust, as a major provider of services to people with autism, understands just how difficult and distressing the onset of this disorder can be for parents and we would therefore welcome a thorough, comprehensive and independent investigation into the issue of MMR, bowel conditions and autism.

"It is absolutely vital that uncertainty over this issue is settled once and for all and that parents can be reassured that the vaccine is not a cause in the onset of autism."

Forum Response: National Autistic Society

Stuart Notholt, director of policy and public affairs at the NAS, said: "The lack of any appropriate treatment is highlighted in the Autism Manifesto produced by the All Party Parliamentary group on Autism which calls for the research into causes, costs and effective interventions for autism to be prioritised and facilitated by government agencies.

"We are also calling for the physiological symptoms often associated with autism, including gastrointestinal disorders, to be widely recognised and that those with autism should receive medical care and interventions appropriate to their needs."