VACCINE AFFECT

This study examined whether trends in autism diagnoses over time were associated with changes in MMR vaccination rates or exposure to measles virus.Rather than comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, the researchers analysed population-level trends in autism diagnoses and MMR uptake. The researchers used an ecological time-trend design. They examined autism diagnosis rates across different birth cohorts and time periods.

This study examined whether children who received the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine were more likely to be diagnosed with autism or other pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) than children who did not receive the vaccine.

The 2004 Andrews study — funded by the UK Department of Health — analyzed over 100,000 children and reported no link between infant thimerosal exposure and autism, with one possible signal for tics. But because it relied on routine GP records, critics argue the data may have missed diagnoses, introduced bias, and reflected its government funding. The reel covers what the study found — and the next carousel breaks down exactly what critics say.