Q: My son is 9 months old. He was born prematurely with a birth weight of 1.75 kg. Until now, his development is as per the charts, except being lower on weight. He weighs 7 kg. He has to be administered the MMR vaccine. How safe is this in the light of autism/PDD? My niece has been suspected with autism. What is the new MMR vaccine? Is is better to give the old or new MMR vaccine? What is the cost difference?

A:MMR vaccine is absolutely safe for the child. The evidence does NOT indicate an increased risk of autism or other diseases with MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine in use has been there for a fairly long time (nothing new) and can be safely used.