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MMR vaccine--how effective and how safe?

    Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin
    |May 3, 2003
    PubMed

    Insights

    The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective and safe, significantly reducing disease incidence. Declining MMR vaccine uptake due to safety concerns threatens a resurgence of these preventable diseases.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Public Health
    • Pediatrics

    Background:

    • The combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine was introduced in the UK in 1988.
    • MMR vaccine significantly reduced the incidence of measles, mumps, and rubella and their complications.
    • A 1998 study suggesting a link between MMR and autism/intestinal inflammation led to decreased vaccine uptake.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the evidence for the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine.
    • To review the evidence for the safety of the MMR vaccine.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review of studies on MMR vaccine effectiveness.
    • Literature review of studies on MMR vaccine safety.

    Main Results:

    • The MMR vaccine has markedly reduced the incidence of measles, mumps, and rubella.
    • No deaths from acute measles have occurred in the UK since 1992.
    • MMR vaccine uptake in England and Wales fell from 92% in 1996 to 84% in 2001-2.

    Conclusions:

    • The MMR vaccine is effective in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella.
    • Evidence does not support a link between the MMR vaccine and autism or intestinal inflammation.
    • Declining vaccination rates pose a risk of disease resurgence.

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