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True or False: The MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) Vaccine Increases Risks of Autism
True or False: The MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) Vaccine Increases Risks of Autism
Author(s): Wybee A. Baker, Kelly A. Patterson, Atar M. MacCurtin, Amisha Kalakheti
Author(s): Wybee A. Baker, Kelly A. Patterson, Atar M. MacCurtin, Amisha Kalakheti
11/12/2025
11/12/2025
Claim: Our big question is whether or not the MMR vaccine increases the risk of autism. More specifically, our research targets the question of whether there is an association between MMR vaccination and autism in the general population, in subgroups (e.g., with siblings with autism), or over certain time periods after vaccination. The short answer is no, but why will be explored throughout the rest of this fact check.
Claim: Our big question is whether or not the MMR vaccine increases the risk of autism. More specifically, our research targets the question of whether there is an association between MMR vaccination and autism in the general population, in subgroups (e.g., with siblings with autism), or over certain time periods after vaccination. The short answer is no, but why will be explored throughout the rest of this fact check.
Introduction
Introduction
For many years, autism has been a topic of speculation. Theories around its roots, causes, and general inquiries regarding its wide variety of traits used to define it have circulated all kinds of practices. However, most concern relates to the safety of children and prevention of it amongst children and adolescents. Though there isn't a direct cause that can accommodate all cases of autism, especially considering the adversity of the spectrum, autism is constantly questioned and surrounded by fear, concern, and uncertainty leading to the debate of vaccinations and their potential influence on the likeliness of autism, more specifically in children.
For many years, autism has been a topic of speculation. Theories around its roots, causes, and general inquiries regarding its wide variety of traits used to define it have circulated all kinds of practices. However, most concern relates to the safety of children and prevention of it amongst children and adolescents. Though there isn't a direct cause that can accommodate all cases of autism, especially considering the adversity of the spectrum, autism is constantly questioned and surrounded by fear, concern, and uncertainty leading to the debate of vaccinations and their potential influence on the likeliness of autism, more specifically in children.
Quick Questions
Quick Questions
Q: Are there any ingredients currently in vaccines that increase the likelihood of autism?
A: No
Q: Can external factors cause autism in children?
A: No
Q: Is autism genetic?
A: Yes
Where is the Truth?
Where is the Truth?
An authoritative study found no connection between the MMR vaccine and autism. Researchers followed more than 650,000 children born in Denmark between 1999 and 2010. Children who received the vaccine were not more likely to develop autism than those who did not. Even children with an autistic sibling or other risk factors showed no increase in autism diagnoses after vaccination.
An authoritative study found no connection between the MMR vaccine and autism. Researchers followed more than 650,000 children born in Denmark between 1999 and 2010. Children who received the vaccine were not more likely to develop autism than those who did not. Even children with an autistic sibling or other risk factors showed no increase in autism diagnoses after vaccination.
Thoughts of a Professional
Thoughts of a Professional
Researchers used data from Denmark’s national health registries to track vaccines, autism diagnoses, and family medical history. They calculated a hazard ratio of 0.93, showing that there was no higher rate of autism among vaccinated children. The authors wrote that their findings strongly support the safety of the MMR vaccine and that their sample size gave the study strong statistical power.
Researchers used data from Denmark’s national health registries to track vaccines, autism diagnoses, and family medical history. They calculated a hazard ratio of 0.93, showing that there was no higher rate of autism among vaccinated children. The authors wrote that their findings strongly support the safety of the MMR vaccine and that their sample size gave the study strong statistical power.
Context and Background
Context and Background
This study was published to answer long-standing concerns about the MMR vaccine and autism. Those fears began with a 1998 paper by Andrew Wakefield, which was later retracted for using false data. Since then, many scientists have tested the claim and found no evidence of a link. The Danish researchers designed this study to give the public clear data and to confirm whether any risk existed.
This study was published to answer long-standing concerns about the MMR vaccine and autism. Those fears began with a 1998 paper by Andrew Wakefield, which was later retracted for using false data. Since then, many scientists have tested the claim and found no evidence of a link. The Danish researchers designed this study to give the public clear data and to confirm whether any risk existed.
Analysis
Analysis
The research team used a nationwide sample, which allowed them to control for many outside factors such as age, sex, and family medical history. They checked for patterns in the timing of autism diagnoses after vaccination and found none. The authors concluded that the MMR vaccine does not cause autism in any group of children, including those already at higher risk. Their work supports the scientific consensus that the MMR vaccine is safe for children and an important part of disease prevention.
The research team used a nationwide sample, which allowed them to control for many outside factors such as age, sex, and family medical history. They checked for patterns in the timing of autism diagnoses after vaccination and found none. The authors concluded that the MMR vaccine does not cause autism in any group of children, including those already at higher risk. Their work supports the scientific consensus that the MMR vaccine is safe for children and an important part of disease prevention.
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See Our Sources & How We Did It:
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