How safe is the MMR Vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is an immunisation against measles, mumps and rubella. The vaccine was licensed in 1963, and a booster version was administered in the mid 1990s. Children are normally given this vaccination, through an injection, when they reach the age of one. They will receive a second injection before they turn two, in order to ensure that they are fully immunised. Ever since the vaccine was introduced in the 1970s, there have been over 500 million doses given out in more than 60 countries, and a countless number of questions have arisen over its safety.[1]

After the children have received the MMR vaccination, 10% of them are likely to develop these side-effects, five to twelve days after they have had their first injection: a fever, malaise (depression), and a rash. 5% of the children may also suffer from some impermanent joint pain. Joint pain is one of the side-effects expected to occur in older women, as well as acute and perhaps, chronic, arthritis. There is a possibility of an uncommon, but nonetheless serious, allergic reaction to the MMR vaccine called Anaphylaxis.[2]

The original MMR vaccine contained the Urabe mumps strain; however, the UK National Health service decided to stop using it in the early 1990s. There was evidence found to prove that the Urabe mumps strain causes temporary mild viral meningitis. It was then replaced with the Jeryl Lynn strain. Despite knowledge of the Urabe mumps strain, many countries still choose to use this in the MMR vaccine. It is much cheaper to produce; and the overall efficiency of it is higher, in spite of the stronger side-effects.[3]

The main concern over the safety of the MMR vaccine is its link ...