The controversial MMR vaccine does not increase the risk of Crohn's disease among children, according to Oxford research.
Although the jab, given to toddlers to inoculate against measles, mumps and rubella, has been linked to chronic inflammation of the bowel, an Oxford University study published in May 13's BMJ, has ruled out any connection.
Statistician Valerie Seagroatt, of the department of public health, looked at national data on hospital admissions for Crohn's disease in children and adolescents between April 1991 and March 2003.
She compared rates of the illness for those born before and after the introduction of MMR, and found no increase in children who had had the injection.
She concluded: "The introduction of MMR vaccine, replacing the single measles vaccine, was not associated with an increase in Crohn's disease."
Fears about MMR surfaced in the UK in 1998 after it was claimed the vaccine might trigger autism.
The suggestion caused widespread panic and led to vaccination rates plummeting.
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