MINNEAPOLIS, February 4, 2009 - The Lancet retracted a controversial 1998 study that linked the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism and gastrointestinal problems.

According to the journal's retraction, the U.K. General Medical Council's Fitness to Practice Panel found that several elements of the study -- by Andrew J. Wakefield, M.D., of the Royal Free Hospital in London, and colleagues -- were incorrect.

The retraction should further undercut the efforts of some in Minnesota who have sought to restrict the use of vaccines containing thimerosal. In 2007, the MMA helped to defeat such a measure.

The MMA opposed the measure because of concerns that it would exacerbate the shortage of flu vaccine and because it was based on the unsupported claim that thimerosal in vaccines causes autism.

Retraction.