With all the talk lately about autism I was wondering what you all thought about the MMR vaccine. I have been so freaked out about Connor getting it because of the articles that possibly link it to Autism. I was just wondering what your thoughts were.

Kim, MMR vaccines are pretty safe now. They are no longer allow to use mercury in the vaccines but that is what the medical professional say. You can ask your dr if you are concern.

Kim, MMR vaccines are pretty safe now. They are no longer allow to use mercury in the vaccines but that is what the medical professional say. You can ask your dr if you are concern.
Thanks Shannon, I already brought it up at our last visit and like you said she said that they are fine and there was no truth behind the study. It just really freaks you out. Is the mercury what they thought was causing it?

I have never heard that link, pretty scary. I must admit I am not a big fan of all immunisations, because you really don't know what the effect will be in the long run, but we have had the MMR (and polio) one, it is compulsory here to even go to school.

I've came across many articles in magazine's on this issue...and the bottom line that *I* gathered from most of them is that there's not much evidence that really holds water to this assumption.

Kim, Yeah, that was one of the thoughts that people had but it was researched and there was no evidence that link in with autism. I have read alot on autism in the past year and there are alotof people who do blame the vaccines on their childrens' autism and will no longer have them done! In reality, there has been no actual thing that can tell anyone what causes autism in children.

I've came across many articles in magazine's on this issue...and the bottom line that *I* gathered from most of them is that there's not much evidence that really holds water to this assumption.

That's right, Sara. I've had the same findings...

I have also heard the rumours about the links with autism but b oth of the doctors I saw said there was absolutely no reasearch to prove the link and that it was "sacre-mongering" by certain groups in the community :shock:

I have to concur as well. There is no good reason not to get required immunizations (except for allergies and whatnot). In fact, I don't want any unvaccinated children around my child for fear they may be percolating some rare but preventable illness.

Same here--vaccinations are pretty safe now and the peds on the team I used to work with all said the same thing: the "research" was shoddy and didn't show any sort of a link between immunizations and autism. If you look online, you will find many groups who purport to know the "cause" of autism--everything from immunizations to lead paint to food preservatives. :-(

I'm with Lesley--I'm much more afraid of my kiddo being around non-immunized kiddos than about her having her immunizations. :-)

I agree, I would never not vaccinate him but all those things you read scare the crud out of you!

Both of my kids have been immunized as well. I would never not immunize them from unsupported rumors of the MMR causing Autism. As many of the others said Kim, all vaccinations excpet for the flu shot no longer have Mercury in them. The flu shot has less mercury in it though then a can of Tuna.

Ok...this is a topic I have to respond to. The reason that the MMR has been linked to autism is simple. First, let me say that there is no causation that can be found from the MMR! The reason why people believe it causes autism is actually simple to explain. The MMR is give at around 12-15 months of age. This is also the age where speech, and socialization start to explode. If a child has autism, it is common for him/her to develop normally until this age (vaccination or not) and then to have either a halt to speech or an actual decline in speech and socialization. The MMR just happens to be given during this time. Therefore, the supposed link...these declines in speech/socialization that are some of the hallmarks of autism are seen in children with and without the MMR. Therefore, it is just coincidence...the MMR does not cause autism!

Ditto!

As an OT, I saw lots of moms who swear their child's physical disorders (CP, etc) came after the 4 months vaccine. Babes dont do much, so they dont notice until the all important 4 month point where many reflexes are integrated and the child starts to move, sit up , etc

The same applies for 12-15 month socialisation and autism.

The studies were shady and inconclusive, so dont worry!