Scientists from the University of Cambridge claim that the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine could protect people with severe COVID-19. According to their findings, the rubella virus possesses a similar structure to SARS-CoV-2.

The lead researchers, Professor Robin Franklin and Dr. Yorgo Modis, explain how the similarities in the structure of coronavirus and rubella could suggest ways in which the vaccine could provide protection to coronavirus patients. They noted a 29 percent similarity between the two viruses.

They believe that because of these structural similarities, someone with a developed immune system containing antibodies against rubella may also partly fight off COVID-19.

The team claims that it could be a possibility if the body was forced to cultivate antibodies targeted at one virus but is also able to cling onto another. They add that the molecules found on SARS-CoV-2 have been found to bind onto rubella antibodies in previous studies.

In an attempt to justify their theory, the team studied blood samples from coronavirus patients in England and studied signs of rubella immunity in moderately and severely ill patients. Their approach proved to be accurate when they saw higher levels of immunity among patients with severe cases of the disease after they had recovered.

They said that the antibodies the patients developed during the course of their illness with COVID-19 matched up with rubella antibodies, proves that their theory could work either way; a previous infection from the coronavirus could protect people from rubella, and vice versa.

The researchers also pointed out how middle-aged and older people are less likely to have had the vaccine, which came out in the 1960s, and are most at risk from the coronavirus.

The researchers from Cambridge university acknowledge that the data they gathered is just at its preliminary stages and that limitations to it are present. The results of their study suggest that MMR will not prevent COVID-19, but could reduce the likelihood of developing worse outcomes from the infection.

MMR is Safe and Does Not Cause Autism

MMR is one of the most controversial vaccines among anti-vaxxers after an English physician, Andrew Wakefield falsely accused it of causing autism.

British parents are among the most opinionated anti-vaxxers in Europe, with one in 30 claiming they are 'opposed to absolutely all vaccines', a study has found.

Cochrane, a British policy institute, investigated the MMR vaccine and said that MMR, MMRV, and MMR+V vaccines are effective in preventing the infection of children by measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. They reported having no evidence of the vaccine causing an increased risk of autism or encephalitis and a small chance of febrile seizure.

A Cochrane review is seen as a gold-standard in research as it methodically examines multiple studies on a subject over a long period.

The authors found little to almost no difference in the rate of autism between those who have and haven't been vaccinated. They added that the risks posed by the diseases far outweigh those of the vaccines given to prevent them.