'No link' with MMR and autism

There is no evidence to support a link between the controversial MMR jab and the development of autism in children, researchers said today.

Concern about the triple vaccine has led to a drop in the number of parents getting their children vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella in the UK.

But a study funded by the Medical Research Council today concludes that there is no evidence of a link.

Controversy over the jab was first sparked after a study published in The Lancet and led by Dr Andrew Wakefield, suggested a link with autism and bowel problems in 1998. The research was later discredited.

The latest study from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, also published in The Lancet, compared the vaccination records of thousands of children in England and Wales with autism or other pervasive development disorders and those without.

Public concern about the triple jab has led to coverage of children under two falling to 82 per cent in 2002-03, below the level needed to avoid epidemics of measles - a potentially lifethreatening infection.

Dr Liam Smeeth, who led the research, said: "We hope the results of this study will reassure parents."