[TomB]

The National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine apparently agrees with me as they have called for more research into the question, while your side wants to shut off debate

While the IOM had said the issue should still be looked at because of RARE cases that might not have showed up in their studies, they have found NO LINK between autism and MMR. They also recommend no change to the vaccine schedule.

From the report:

By analyzing all of these data, the committee found that the evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship at the population level between MMR vaccine and autistic spectrum disorders. The committee bases this conclusion on the following:

· A consistent body of epidemiological research shows no overall association between the two.

· Data on the group of children used as a basis for the 1998 Lancet article or from other available case reports are insufficient to either prove or disprove causality.

· Biologic models linking MMR vaccine and autistic spectrum disorders are fragmentary.

· There is no relevant animal model linking the two.

Having said this, it is important to note that our committee does not exclude the possibility that MMR vaccine could in rare cases contribute to autistic spectrum disorders resulting in a very small number of affected children. But we do not have epidemiological data or tools precise enough to assess rare occurrences of such a response to MMR if it occurs at all.

[clip]

However, based on a review of the evidence before us, the committee does not find that a change in MMR immunization procedures is warranted at present. We do not recommend a policy review of the licensure of MMR vaccine or of the current schedule and recommendations for administration of MMR.

Yep, they sound pretty unsure of themselves.

[Al B.]

While the IOM had said the issue should still be looked at because of RARE cases that might not have showed up in their studies, they have found NO LINK between autism and MMR. They also recommend no change to the vaccine schedule.

 -- From TomB

LOL!  Man, we are cookin' now.  And thanks so much for your selective posting of the committee's report and YOUR INTERPRETATION of what they said..

The committee, in its recommendation, used the word "SMALL," not rare, in describing the possibility of a link between MMR and autism, and its rate of incidence in children, while calling for more research into this question (something you and your cohorts want to shut off, along with debate on this forum).  The term "SMALL," of course, was not defined in absolutes.  "RARE," as I'm sure you know, is a medical term used to described actual occurrence.  But you're a medical guy, I'm sure you know that.

And I  know you meant well, what with your zeal for scientific inquiry and all.