Only a cursory investigation was conducted by the medical journal that published a report that the claims about vaccines being linked to autism, it was reported on Tuesday.

Findings were reaffirmed by the author of the 1998 paper, Dr. Andrew Wakefield, and his co-authors, after in 2004 it was reported that Wakefield's claims were not right.

The report that was recently published stated that the editor of a well-known paper led the examination into how the study was conducted and as far as the allegations were concerned, no formal investigation were involved.

It was reported, "In short, the accused were investigating themselves."

In January 2010, Britain's General Medical Council, following a three-year investigation stated that Wakefield's way of conducting his research was dishonest and irresponsible.

Wakefield's license to practice medicine was revoked by British authorities in May 2010.

Wakefield still stands firm on stating that nothing wrong has been done by him support to him still comes from a vocal contingent of advocates for children with autism.

The freelance journalist who wrote about the allegations was accused by Wakefield of being paid by the pharmaceutical industry. Deer However outrightly denied the charges against him and stated that no such payments were given to him.