Can vaccines cause autism?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:People who support vaccines cite studies that show vaccines do not cause autism. Large-scale epidemiologic studies in a number of countries, including Finland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States, clearly demonstrate that vaccines are not responsible for the epidemic of autism. Vaccines might trigger autism in a small number of genetically primed individuals with a very rare preexisting disease of the mitochondria; and these people most probably would have developed autism even if they hadn't received the vaccine. In this situation, a virus or another environmental insult can just as easily be the straw that breaks the camel's back.
People against vaccines cite the stories of parents describing the transformation of their previously healthy children into children with autism spectrum disorder soon after and in immediate relationship to vaccination. For critics, the accounts are too strong and too common to avoid the conclusion that vaccines can cause autism.
As I see it, there is no known association between vaccination and autism, or, to state it another way, vaccination is not the cause of the autism epidemic. However, environmental circumstances such as another viral infection causing a high fever, or a high fever plus a vaccine may bring out autism in genetically susceptible children. We cannot currently identify such vulnerable children prior to vaccination. As genetic triggers become better known, and as testing becomes safer, less expensive, and more available, we may be able to identify all individuals at risk for virus-plus-vaccine-triggered diseases and avoid vaccinating them, or avoid vaccinating them while they're exposed to a particular infection. For all who choose vaccination, make sure that your child is in good health, is well hydrated before getting the shot, and is not receiving antibiotics. If your child or another family member is sick, schedule his vaccines for another time. Treat any postvaccine fever and irritability aggressively, and hydrate the young patient: with breast milk or formula for children not yet one year old; with water, milk, or Pedialyte for toddlers; and with water, milk, or 100 percent juice for older children. Then proceed according to your pediatrician's instructions.
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People who support vaccines cite studies that show vaccines do not cause autism. Large-scale epidemiologic studies in a number of countries, including Finland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States, clearly... More -
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:The stories of parents describing the transformation of their previously healthy children into children with autism are strong and common, but large-scale epidemiologic studies in a number of countries clearly demonstrate that vaccines are not responsible for the autism epidemic. It may trigger autism in a small number of genetically primed individuals – and these individuals most probably would have developed autism anyway.
Vaccination is not the cause of the autism epidemic, but might trigger autism in genetically susceptible children. We cannot currently identify such vulnerable children prior to vaccination. As genetic triggers become better known, and as testing becomes safer, less expensive, and more available, we may be able to identify all such individuals who are at risk for vaccine-triggered diseases and avoid vaccinating them.
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The stories of parents describing the transformation of their previously healthy children into children with autism are strong and common, but large-scale epidemiologic studies in a number of countries clearly demonstrate that vaccines are not... More -
Dr. Heather Wittenberg answered:People are desperate to find a cause for autism. Childhood vaccines protect children from some of the most horrible, deadly, disfiguring, dangerous illnesses that routinely used to kill thousands. Are there dangers with vaccines? Of course. As for all medical treatments, you must weigh the potential risks with the potential benefits. But this problem has been studied extensively by gold-ribbon teams worldwide. Their findings? Vaccines do not cause autism. Not even the older vaccines with thimerosol, a type of mercury. Mercury poisoning by itself does not cause autism either. My kids have all their vaccinations. I have relatives who are survivors of diphtheria, polio and other horrendous illnesses. They don’t want me to lose sight of the misery (and death) that these illnesses inflict. And honestly, when other families choose not to immunize their children, they put the safety of others at risk; especially babies who are too young to have their full complement of vaccines, and other children and adults with compromised immune function. Please do not be misguided by the misinformation out there on vaccines. If you have any questions, please review them carefully with your pediatrician, who will probably agree with what I am saying.People are desperate to find a cause for autism. Childhood vaccines protect children from some of the most horrible, deadly, disfiguring, dangerous illnesses that routinely used to kill thousands. Are there dangers with vaccines? Of... More -
Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:Although many parents worry about a possible link between certain vaccines or vaccine ingredients, such a link has not been found. Many extensive studies have been done to find out if there is a link, and no connection has been found in any reputable study. In fact, the 1998 study that discussed the possibility of a connection has since been retracted due to lack of evidence.
Although many parents worry about a possible link between certain vaccines or vaccine ingredients, such a link has not been found. Many extensive studies have been done to find out if there is a link, and no connection has been found in any... More -
Dr. Margaret Payne answered:In spite of the continued press linking vaccinations, especially MMR, with autism spectrum disorders, there is no scientific data proving the link. The original study out of Britain that showed a possible relationship between MMR and autism was repeated by the original researcher. In that case he found no link whatsoever. But, in looking at the cases of autism in England, a higher incidence of autism was found in those children who had not received the MMR.
Parents still worry about mercury in vaccines and it's link to autism. Even before the media began discussing the use of mercury in vaccines, the mercury had been taken out of all pediatric vaccines. The only vaccine that still contains mercury is the flu vaccine used for older patients. Mercury, in the form of thimerosol, is used in many things because it is a great preservative that prevents bacterial contamination. Thimerosol has been an ingredient in many lotions, liquid soaps, and other cosmetic products. Read the label to make sure none of the products you use on your baby contains thimerosol.In spite of the continued press linking vaccinations, especially MMR, with autism spectrum disorders, there is no scientific data proving the link. The original study out of Britain that showed a possible relationship between MMR and autism... More -
Dr. Darshan Shah of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:Vaccines do not cause autism. There has been much in recent years in the media about vaccinations, specifically the MMR (measles mumps and rebella) vaccination, causing autism. This was based on a study in Lancet from 1988, the results and conclusions of which were later proven incorrect.Vaccines do not cause autism. There has been much in recent years in the media about vaccinations, specifically the MMR (measles mumps and rebella) vaccination, causing autism. This was based on a study in Lancet from 1988, the... More -
Sarine Salama of MDLIVE answered:At this time all studies regarding an autism/vaccine link have been removed from medical journals.At this time all studies regarding an autism/vaccine link have been removed from medical journals.At this time all studies regarding an autism/vaccine link have been removed from medical journals.At this time all studies regarding an autism/vaccine link have been removed from medical journals. More -
Joane Goodroe answered:August 25, 2011: A new 667 page report released by the Institute of Medicine said that a 16-member committee from the Institute of Medicine found that there was no or insufficient evidence to link the MMR vaccine to autism. The committee reviewed more than 1,000 research articles to draw its conclusions.
August 25, 2011: A new 667 page report released by the Institute of Medicine said that a 16-member committee from the Institute of Medicine found that there was no or insufficient evidence to link the MMR vaccine to autism. The committee reviewed... More -
There is not a link between immunizations and autism. The very small study that originally reported this link has been proven to be completely untrue. The physician who reported this study has lost his license as a result.There is not a link between immunizations and autism. The very small study that originally reported this link has been proven to be completely untrue. The physician who reported this study has lost his license as a result. More -
RealAge answered:One of the biggest sources of fear when it comes to vaccinations is that they cause autism. This has been studied and argued at length and the debate continues today. In fact, this controversy is far from being settled.
The good news is we do know that children who develop autism were either born that way, or, in a small percentage of cases, were born biologically more susceptible to developing it. And, I assure you that in no way does parenting have anything to do with it.
So what causes it? Doctors and scientists are still unsure of the exact causes of autism. It is generally accepted that it’s the result of an abnormality in the structure or function of the brain. Researchers are still trying to figure out why this abnormality occurs.
The specific vaccination that surrounds this autism-vaccine controversy is the 3-in-1 MMR vaccine, which stands for measles, mumps, and rubella. These are three very dangerous diseases and the MMR vaccine prevents them.
The controversy has come to the forefront for a few different reasons. One, the incidence of autism has risen since this particular vaccine was introduced. Also, oftentimes, signs of autism begin to appear around the same time this vaccine is given. The definition of what constitutes autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has broadened as well.
The specific substance in the MMR vaccine that some suspect of causing autism is called thimerosal. This preservative is used to protect against bacterial and fungal contamination and contains minute amounts of mercury. It is the mercury in thimerosal that has been implicated as a potential cause for ASDs. And, because it is used in many vaccines, not just the MMR, another controversy, focused specifically on the preservative thimerosal, has sprung up.
Currently, results from several major studies by accredited medical sources show no causal link between the MMR vaccine and autism, or thimerosal and autism. But because more research is still needed to determine whether some children may in fact be born genetically more susceptible and experience harmful effects from thimerosol, it has proactively been eliminated from childhood vaccines.
If you have any concerns, be sure to ask your healthcare provider to use only preservative-free vaccines.
From Good Kids, Bad Habits: The RealAge Guide to Raising Healthy Children by Jennifer Trachtenberg.
Find out more about this book: Good Kids, Bad Habits: The RealAge Guide to Raising Healthy Children
One of the biggest sources of fear when it comes to vaccinations is that they cause autism. This has been studied and argued at length and the debate continues today. In fact, this controversy is far from being settled. The good news is we do know... More -
Dr. Louise Sivak answered:There are no credible data linking administration of any vaccine, past or current, with the development of autism. A "study" published in a highly respected medical journal which purported to show a "link" between the MMR vaccine and the development of a particular type of gastrointestinal disorder and autism has since been shown to be fraudulent and has been retracted by that journal; its lead author has lost his medical license due to fraud and unethical practices. Many self-proclaimed "experts" have touted mercury exposure in vaccine preservatives as the "cause”; that has been removed since 2001 and the incidence of autism unfortunately continues to increase rather than decrease. The incidence of autism is increasing in the U.S. to approximately 1 in 150 children, due in small part to improved recognition but also to a true increase in the condition. Unfortunately, we do not yet know its cause. Like most conditions, there is a genetic component to it in that first degree relatives are more likely to have the condition. Many environmental associations have been and are currently being studied, including a long list of potential environmental toxins, maternal overweight during pregnancy, and older age of fathers at conception; none is yet proven.
There are no credible data linking administration of any vaccine, past or current, with the development of autism. A "study" published in a highly respected medical journal which purported to show a "link" between the MMR vaccine and the development... More -
Dr. Latha Soorya of The Mount Sinai Medical Center answered:Several epidemiological studies have disproven the link between vaccines and autism.Several epidemiological studies have disproven the link between vaccines and autism. More
