Eleven years ago a small study was published looking at just 12 patients. It suggested a link between autism and the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. From that, erupted a firestorm of controversy.

Some subsequent studies did support the findings, but it was largely press reports and government actions that brought the debate over autism and vaccines to a head, even as questions were raised about the legitimacy of the original study.

So when a U.S. court weighed in on the issue earlier this month, few minds were changed, but the debate certainly continues to rage. Newsweek takes a look at the long and winding journey of the vaccine debate. To read more click here.

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Previous stories on this topic:

Vaccines Not Responsible For Autism, Court Says (February 12, 2009)

Research Linking Autism And Vaccines Called Into Question (February 9, 2009)

Study Support Safety of Vaccine Preservative, Thimerosal (January 26, 2009)

Vaccine Debate Boils Over At Autism Speaks (January 19, 2009)

An Immunologist Is Ready For Battle On Vaccine Front (October 27, 2008)

Autism Claims Could Dry Vaccine Fund (September 28, 2008)

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