Frequently Asked Questions

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I've heard that MMR can cause autism. Is that true?

Vaccines are sometimes blamed for conditions that are poorly understood. A child's first year of life is a time of tremendous growth and development, and it is a time when serious problems may start to appear. It is also the time when most vaccines are given, but this does not mean that vaccines cause these problems.

The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine does not cause autism.

Medical researchers and scientists around the world have studied information collected over many years to see whether there is a link between the MMR vaccine and autism - a lifelong developmental disorder. They have not found any evidence of a link.

In Canada, children are vaccinated against many serious illnesses, including measles, mumps and rubella (German measles), because immunization is the best way to protect children against these illnesses. The vaccines that Canadian children receive, including the MMR, are very safe.

For more information:

• What you need to know about Measles
• Thimerosal in Vaccines and Autism
• Immunize Canada

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