§ Lord Clement-Jonesasked Her Majesty's Government:
What research is being done or has been commissioned by the Department of Health into adverse reactions from the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. [HL55]
§ Baroness HaymanThe effects of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunisation have been carefully examined by two groups of independent experts: the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, 67WA which advises the United Kingdom health departments on matters concerning immunisation, and the Committee on Safety of Medicines. In addition, following the publicity about possible adverse reactions to MMR, a group of 37 independent experts was convened by the Medical Research Council on 23 March this year under the chairmanship of Professor Sir John Pattison. The group examined published and unpublished research into a suggested association between MMR vaccine and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease) and autism. These independent experts concluded:
The available virological and epidemiological evidence does not support a causal role for persistent measles virus infection in Crohn's disease.
There is no evidence to indicate any link between MMR vaccination and bowel disease or autism.
There is therefore no reason for a change in the current MMR vaccination policy.
MMR vaccine remains the safest way for parents to protect their children against measles, mumps and rubella.
The Medicines Control Agency (MCA) is currently considering the evidence provided by case reports of children where parents suspected adverse effects following MMR. The MCA has set up a working group of independent experts who will evaluate these reports in the context of all the relevant available evidence. The MCA has also commissioned a study to examine the possible association between MMR vaccine and autism.