From the Guidelines
There is no scientific evidence that any vaccine causes autism, and vaccines are safe and effective at preventing serious diseases. This conclusion is based on extensive research that has thoroughly debunked the false claim linking vaccines to autism 1. The original study suggesting a link was found to be fraudulent and has been retracted. Major health organizations worldwide agree that vaccines do not cause autism.
Key Points
- A large body of scientific evidence demonstrates that thimerosal-containing vaccines are not associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorders in children 1.
- Thimerosal from vaccines has not been linked to any medical condition, including autism spectrum disorders 1.
- The benefits of protecting children against the known risks of influenza are clear, and children should receive any available formulation of influenza vaccine rather than delaying immunization while waiting for reduced thimerosal-content or thimerosal-free vaccines 1.
- If you have concerns about vaccines, please speak to a qualified medical professional who can provide accurate information based on scientific evidence.
Recommendations
- Vaccination should not be delayed to obtain a specific product, and any available formulation of influenza vaccine can be administered at the same visit with all other recommended routine vaccines 1.
- Pediatricians should develop comprehensive vaccine management protocols to keep the temperature for vaccine storage constant during a power failure or other disaster.
From the Research
Vaccine Association with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- There is no evidence to support a link between vaccines and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has been specifically studied, and no association with autism has been found 2, 4, 6
- The myth of a vaccine-autism link has been perpetuated by misinformation and a lack of understanding of the causes of autism 3, 5
- Research has shown that the diagnosis of autism is typically made after the age of receiving childhood immunizations, which may contribute to parental concerns about a potential link 3
- The scientific consensus is that vaccines do not cause autism, and that the benefits of vaccination in preventing serious diseases outweigh any potential risks 3, 4, 6
Specific Vaccines and ASD
- The MMR vaccine has been extensively studied, and no link to autism has been found 2, 4, 6
- Thimerosal, a preservative used in some vaccines, has also been studied, and no link to autism has been found 4
- Other vaccines have not been shown to be associated with an increased risk of autism 3, 5