Will vaccinations cause autism in children?

The truth: No. Current scientific research shows that there is no causal relationship between childhood vaccinations (shots) and autism.

Analysis: The link between vaccination and autism was controversial in a paper published at the end of the last century. Since then, large-scale studies in many countries, including follow-up surveys of millions of children, have found no causal relationship between vaccination and autism.

The World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other authoritative medical organizations have stated that vaccines are safe and effective and do not cause autism. The exact cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not fully understood, but scientific research shows that it may be related to genetic and environmental factors.

Compared with the risk of contracting the disease and the probability of severe illness, vaccines are the safest, most effective and cost-effective means of prevention. Regular vaccination is essential for children's health. Parents are advised to vaccinate their children according to the recommended vaccination schedule to protect their health.

References

[1] Jan E Drutz, Armando G Correa. Autism spectrum disorder and chronic disease: no evidence for vaccines or thimerosal as a contributing factor. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/en/autism-spectrum-disorder-and-chronic-disease-no-evidence-for-vaccines-or-thimerosal-as-a-contributing-factor. (Accessed on Jul 11, 2023).

[2] Jan E Drutz. Standard immunizations for children and adolescents: an overview. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/en/standard-immunizations-for-children-and-adolescents-overview. (Accessed on Apr 23, 2024).

[3] Diao Liandong, Sun Xiaodong. Practical Vaccinology[M]. Shanghai: Shanghai Science and Technology Press, 2015.1.

Author: Fan Yunzhu, Chief Physician of Jiahui Medical

Review丨Fu Sufen, Vice President and Secretary General of Zhejiang Mental Health Association