(HealthDay) -- Despite numerous studies that have shown that the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine doesn't cause autism, a BBC survey found that a majority of parents in England believe a public inquiry into the controversy is needed.
Health experts say British parents are being swayed by news reports and a small number of studies that say the MMR shot is dangerous, the BBC story says. But the parents want the option of one shot for each disease. Britain's Department of Health says it's important to get the combined vaccine to stop the spread of the diseases.
The BBC story also says studies in Britain and the United States and by the World Health Organization show that the vaccine doesn't cause autism or bowel disorders, as some claim.
This news service report carried by ABC News discusses some of the research showing the MMR vaccine to be safe. The U.S. Department of Health has information about the studies. And the CDC has information about the vaccine and the three diseases it prevents.
Another wire service report, carried by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, says the MMR vaccine and the DTP vaccine, which prevents diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, have been linked to seizures. The seizures were a one-time event, researchers say. The story says the study, sponsored by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), also found that the vaccines did not cause long-term problems.
