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Does the measles vaccine cause autism?

The measles vaccine (MMR) does not cause autism. This has been extensively researched in very large, well-conducted scientific studies.

The claim that the measles vaccine causes autism stems from a single fraudulent study from 1998. That study was completely retracted, and the doctor lost his medical license. Since then, dozens of large studies have been conducted on millions of children worldwide. Not a single study has found a link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Autism is just as common in vaccinated children as in unvaccinated children. Autism develops before birth due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Vaccines play no role. The measles vaccine is safe and prevents serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.

Source: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M18-2101

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2025-11-30 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2026

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