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23/02/2004
GMC asked to investigate MMR research allegations
A doctor at the centre of a controversy over research methods used in the investigation that linked the MMR vaccine with autism has said he would welcome an investigation into his work.
A study by Dr Andrew Wakefield published in The Lancet in 1998, which led many parents to reject the triple Mumps Measles Rubella vaccine for toddlers over fears that it may cause autism, is the focus of allegations that there was a conflict of interest in the work.
The alleged conflict of interest concerns another study by Dr Wakefield examining the grounds for compensation by parents who claimed that their children had been affected by the MMR vaccine.
While the substance of Dr Wakefield's research findings are not challenged, the Sunday Times article has sparked calls for an investigation into whether the research broke established rules for these types of scientific studies.
Dr Wakefield said that he stood by his findings and would welcome an inquiry. The GMC are understood to be examining the allegations to see if any further action is necessary.
Several research studies have failed to conclusively reveal a link between MMR vaccination and autism. The condition tends to be diagnosed around the same time that the vaccination is given and medical experts claim that the two are not linked.
One recent study in the US journal Pediatrics showed no relation between the combined MMR vaccination and the development of autism. The panel of experts concluded that autism, usually diagnosed during the toddler years, occurs when children receive many vaccinations.
Scientific interest has concentrated on a commonly used preservative in vaccines. Although the substance, thimerosal, is no longer used in childhood vaccines in the US.
(SP)
A study by Dr Andrew Wakefield published in The Lancet in 1998, which led many parents to reject the triple Mumps Measles Rubella vaccine for toddlers over fears that it may cause autism, is the focus of allegations that there was a conflict of interest in the work.
The alleged conflict of interest concerns another study by Dr Wakefield examining the grounds for compensation by parents who claimed that their children had been affected by the MMR vaccine.
While the substance of Dr Wakefield's research findings are not challenged, the Sunday Times article has sparked calls for an investigation into whether the research broke established rules for these types of scientific studies.
Dr Wakefield said that he stood by his findings and would welcome an inquiry. The GMC are understood to be examining the allegations to see if any further action is necessary.
Several research studies have failed to conclusively reveal a link between MMR vaccination and autism. The condition tends to be diagnosed around the same time that the vaccination is given and medical experts claim that the two are not linked.
One recent study in the US journal Pediatrics showed no relation between the combined MMR vaccination and the development of autism. The panel of experts concluded that autism, usually diagnosed during the toddler years, occurs when children receive many vaccinations.
Scientific interest has concentrated on a commonly used preservative in vaccines. Although the substance, thimerosal, is no longer used in childhood vaccines in the US.
(SP)
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10 September 2004
New study rejects MMR's autism link
There is no link between the MMR vaccine and an increased risk of autism in children, according to a study published in The Lancet today. In what has been described as the most detailed and comprehensive studies on the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and autism carried out to date, no evidence was found to support a linkage.
New study rejects MMR's autism link
There is no link between the MMR vaccine and an increased risk of autism in children, according to a study published in The Lancet today. In what has been described as the most detailed and comprehensive studies on the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and autism carried out to date, no evidence was found to support a linkage.
24 May 2010
MMR Doctor 'Struck Off Register'
The doctor at the centre of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine row has been struck off the medical register. Dr Andrew Wakefield was found guilty by the General Medical Council (GMC) of serious professional misconduct over the way he carried out his research.
MMR Doctor 'Struck Off Register'
The doctor at the centre of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine row has been struck off the medical register. Dr Andrew Wakefield was found guilty by the General Medical Council (GMC) of serious professional misconduct over the way he carried out his research.
08 August 2012
ASA Warns Website Over MMR Claims
A parenting medical advice website has been ordered to remove information about the MMR jab, after publishing claims that it could be linked to autism. Babyjabs.co.uk had said the three-in-one jab may be causing "up to 10%" of autism in children in the UK.
ASA Warns Website Over MMR Claims
A parenting medical advice website has been ordered to remove information about the MMR jab, after publishing claims that it could be linked to autism. Babyjabs.co.uk had said the three-in-one jab may be causing "up to 10%" of autism in children in the UK.
08 February 2013
Measles Cases Reach '18-Year High'
There were 2,016 confirmed cases of measles in England and Wales according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA). Last year's figures were the highest annual total since 1994.
Measles Cases Reach '18-Year High'
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17 November 2011
Flu Vaccination Delayed For 'More Advice'
The Department of Health has said on Thursday that it needs further advice from the committee looking into the flu vaccine before it can roll out a larger programme. The announcement follows a request from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to look at whether the flu vaccination programme should be extended to healthy children.
Flu Vaccination Delayed For 'More Advice'
The Department of Health has said on Thursday that it needs further advice from the committee looking into the flu vaccine before it can roll out a larger programme. The announcement follows a request from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to look at whether the flu vaccination programme should be extended to healthy children.
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