A story on “60 Minutes” suggested administering each component of MMR in separate injections to decrease the risk of autism. Is there any reason to do this?
There is no scientific reason for or benefit to separating the antigens. There is no credible evidence that measles vaccine or MMR increases the risk of autism. Separating the doses puts children (and pregnant women who may be exposed to them) at increased risk for these diseases by extending the amount of time children remain unvaccinated. Studies have shown that if parents have to schedule additional appointments for vaccinations, there is an increased risk that their children may not receive all the vaccines they need. Further information about autism and vaccines is available at www.cdc.gov/nip/vacsafe/concerns/autism.
There is no scientific reason for or benefit to separating the antigens. There is no credible evidence that measles vaccine or MMR increases the risk of autism. Separating the doses puts children (and pregnant women who may be exposed to them) at increased risk for these diseases by extending the amount of time children remain unvaccinated. Studies have shown that if parents have to schedule additional appointments for vaccinations, there is an increased risk that their children may not receive all the vaccines they need. Further information about autism and vaccines is available at www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/faq_vaccines.htm.
