No. This issue has been studied extensively, including a thorough review by the independent Institute of Medicine (IOM). The IOM issued a report in 2004 that concluded there is no evidence supporting an association between MMR vaccine or thimerosal-containing vaccines and the development of autism. Additional evidence documenting that MMR or thimerosal do not cause autism, see Immunize.org’s patient resources at: www.immunize.org/clinical/vaccine-confidence/topic/autism/.
Last reviewed:
August 10, 2026
Merck does not manufacture single antigen measles, mumps, and/or rubella vaccines for the U.S. market. Only combined MMR is available. You should educate parents about the lack of association between MMR and autism. You may provide parents with Immunize.org’s parent handout (developed in collaboration with the Autism Science Foundation): “Evidence Shows Vaccines Unrelated to Autism,” found at www.immunize.org/wp-content/uploads/catg.d/p4028.pdf. Immunize.org also has a parent handout specifically for concerns related to MMR and autism, “MMR Does Not Cause Autism: Examine the Evidence,” found at www.immunize.org/wp-content/uploads/catg.d/p4026.pdf.
Last reviewed:
August 10, 2026
Arthralgia (joint pain) and transient arthritis (joint redness or swelling) following rubella vaccination occurs only in people who were susceptible to rubella at the time of vaccination. Joint symptoms are uncommon in children and in adult biological males. About 25% of non-immune post-pubertal biological females report joint pain after receiving rubella vaccine, and about 10% to 30% report arthritis-like signs and symptoms.
When joint symptoms occur, they generally begin 1 to 3 weeks after vaccination, usually are mild, last a few days, and rarely recur.
Last reviewed:
August 10, 2026
