This is regarding the study that came out that supposedly found no link between autism and the MMR vaccine. No wonder there were so many news stories about parents who don't vaccinate against measles a couple of weeks ago! This is a classic set-up. I'll bet "they" hope it reassures the questioning sheeple that all is well in Vaccine Land.

Source: TampaBay10.com.

St. Petersburg, Florida?A local pediatrician, who treats many young patients with autism, is speaking out against a new government study on childhood MMR vaccinations.

The Centers for Disease Control released a new study, claiming there is no link between the combination Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism nor gastrointestinal disorders.

While several researchers said this study is "conclusive" proof that there is no link, Tampa pediatrician, Dr. David Berger says the study is too small (38 children) to make that claim and not comprehensive enough to give parents 100 percent assurance.

Dr. Berger says larger, longterm studies are needed.

The Tampa board certified pediatrician advises parents to separate the live combination virus vaccine so they can tell if their child has had an allergic reaction to any of the vaccines. That will help parents when it comes time to give kids their MMR booster shot around kindergarten.

Dr. Berger says he uses the same cautious approach when it comes to introducing new foods to kids, try one at a time.

Many parents of autistic kids and advocacy groups suspect that combination MMR vaccine may have triggered their child's GI (gastrointestinal) disease and autism, but there are no longterm studies to support that claim.

Watch Heather's story on "Why some Bay area parents are separating combination MMR vaccines."

Click here to find a pediatrician or location that will separate vaccines.

Here is Dr. David Berger's online interview:

-What is your reaction to this study?

If this study was done in an attempt to try and replicate the original research that was done by Dr. Wakefield, the researchers completely missed the point.

Dr. Wakefield specifically looked at children- who had developed symptoms of both autism and intestinal abnormalities after receiving the MMR vaccine, and in those particular patients he was able to identify the presence of the measles virus.

In this current study 80% of the patient'st had abnormal gastrointestinal symptoms prior to receiving MMR.

-Do you agree this study is conclusive of no link?

It is not possible for a study such as this to be conclusive . There was a small sample size, for one thing. I guess that one could conclude that the evidence from the study shows that the small group of children studied who have abnormal intestinal symptoms prior to getting the vaccine do not show evidence of measles in the intestinal tract, but I think it would be reaching to go further than that .

-Does this put the controversy to rest?

Absolutely not.

-What are your concerns about this study?

As stated above.

Also, this study is only looking for presence of the measles virus itself. We know that there are immunological changes that occur when a person is injected with a virus which is different than what happens when a virus is either inhaled or ingested. These immunological changes may persist, and it can be independent of the virus itself persisting.

-What are you advising cautious parents to do?

Follow their instincts

-The government claims there are many studies proving no link and combination MMR is safe. Do you believe these studies are adequate?

I do not.

-What type of study is needed?

Someone needs to replicate Dr. Wakefield study done in the exact same manner that he did.