Ireland. Concern has recently been expressed regarding a possible link between measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine and subsequent development of inflammatory bowel disease and/or autism in a very small number of children. The Irish Medicines Board has reviewed the available evidence and concluded that at present there is no evidence to support any link between the MMR vaccine and the subsequent development of either chronic inflammatory bowel disease or autism.

The MMR vaccine is highly effective and parents are strongly advised to continue to have their children immunized with this vaccine in accordance with current recommendations.

Reference: Irish Medicines Board, Drug Safety Newsletter, Issue No. 8, September 1998.