The journal, Vaccine, has removed the paper, on the instructions of its editor-in-chief Dr Gregory Poland. The paper, prepared by researchers at Tel Aviv University, had initially been accepted by the journal, which had published it online on January 9th.

The researchers discovered that the vaccine, which includes aluminium, caused neuro-inflammation and auto-immune reactions in laboratory mice, which led to behavioural changes.

In a response to one of the researchers, Yehuda Shoenfeld, the journal said: “The article in question has been temporarily removed as requested by Vaccine’s editor-in-chief Gregory Poland. In addition, Dr Poland has recommended the article be further reviewed.”

Dr Poland, who works for the Mayo Clinic, has also worked on the safety review committee for Gardasil, a position paid for by Merck, the vaccine’s manufacturer.