A study released this month further debunks the long-contested notion that the measles vaccine heightens the risk of autism in children. In fact, results of the study indicate that children whose immunization includes the MMR vaccination were less likely to develop autism. This information comes on the heels of the The Lancet medical journal’s retraction of its controversial 1998 study that suggested a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Led by Dr. Andrew Wakefield, the study claimed evidence of developmental regression in children shortly after receiving MMR vaccine. That report sent thousands of parents into high alert mode and many refused to allow their children to be given immunization for MMR.

The new study was led by Dorota Mrozek-Budzyn, of Jagiellonian University Medical College, in Krakow, Poland and appeared on the website of The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal (It’s slated to appear in the journal’s print version in May). Researchers compared 96 autistic children with 192 children who did not have the disorder and sought out any clues as to a relationship between autism and the measles vaccination, adjusting for other known or suspected autism risk factors such as the mother’s age and education, the length of gestation, medications ingested during pregnancy and the child’s condition immediately after birth. No evidence was found that linked measles immunization with any autism risk.

At Solantic Walk-In Urgent Care, we recommend all school age children receive immunization for measles, mumps, rubella and other potential illnesses. Immunizations are available at any of Solantic’s 30 Florida urgent care clinics. They include:

•    Seasonal Flu Shot
•    Gardasil (HPV)
•    Hepatitis B Vaccine Series
•    MMR
•    Menactra (Meningitis)
•    Pneumonia Vaccine
•    Tetanus Booster
•    Tetanus/Pertussis
•    Varicella (Chicken Pox Vaccine)

We make quality healthcare affordable, too. Solantic Walk-In Urgent Cares immunization rates start at just $30 for the seasonal flu shot and go up to just $175 for the Gardasil vaccine. We also offer immunizations required by adults and children for international travel. If it’s time for your family’s next round immunizations, call us today at 1-866-SOLANTIC or 904-223-2320. Don’t leave your child’s health to chance.