MMR vaccine

Combined vaccine given to small children to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles).

A controversy over the use of this combined vaccine began in early 1998, owing to the claims of a UK paediatrician that there was a slight risk of immunized children developing autism in later life. This risk was not present when the vaccinations were given as three separate shots at different times. Although further research repeatedly failed to substantiate the link, vaccination rates began to drop, falling to to 88% in Britain and 76% in Northern Ireland by February 2001. A resulting increase in the number of measles and mumps cases was observed.