Research released this week did not find any association between autism and the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
The MMR vaccine is typically administered to children after their first birthday and includes a follow-up shot between 4 and 6.
But some parents have argued that the MMR vaccine is responsible for autism in children, and many of those parents have refused to vaccinate their children.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, include an analysis of insurance claims filed with UnitedHealth Group. The study looked at the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and vaccination rates of children born between 2001 and 2007.
The study only included children who had an older sibling since children with autistic siblings have a higher rate of developing autism themselves.
“Consistent with studies in other populations, we observed no association between MMR vaccination and increased ASD risk among privately insured children,” the researchers concluded.
The conclusion is consistent with what doctors have said: there is no link between autism and vaccination.
The study was funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
