Thursday, February 12, 2009

Doctors are praising today's court ruling against families who claimed a link between vaccines and autism.

Dr. Paul Offit of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia says the ruling backs scientific findings. He calls it a "great day for America's children."

The special vaccine court ruled the evidence overwhelmingly contradicts claims that certain vaccine combinations -- including the measles-mumps-rubella shot -- can cause autism in children. The ruling is a major blow to families who've filed thousands of claims through the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

The head of a consumer advocacy group says the ruling won't change the minds of parents who suspect a link. She says more studies are needed.

The court still has to rule on separate claims from other families who say the lone culprit could be a mercury preservative in the shots.