Autism and Vaccinations: An Overview
To date there is no conclusive evidence that any vaccine increases the risk of developing
autism or any other behavior disorder.
Autism and Vaccinations: MMR
In the past few years, there has been public interest in a theory that suggested a link between the use of thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative used in the
measles/
mumps/
rubella (MMR) vaccine, and autism. Although mercury is no longer found in childhood vaccines in the United States, some parents still have concerns about vaccinations.
Many well-done, large-scale studies have now been done that have failed to show a link between thimerosal and autism. A panel from the Institute of Medicine is now examining these studies, including a large Danish study that concluded that there was no causal relationship between childhood vaccination using thimerosal-containing vaccines and the development of an
autism spectrum disorder, and a US study looking at exposure to mercury, lead, and other heavy metals.
(Click Autism and MMR Vaccine for more information about studies exploring possible links between MMR vaccine and autism.)
Autism and Vaccinations: DTP
In January 1990, the Institute of Medicine concluded that there was no evidence to indicate a causal relationship between autism and the diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DTP) vaccine or the pertussis component of the DTP vaccine.
Autism and Vaccinations: Summary
Currently, no study provides definitive evidence of an association between autism and vaccinations. However, continued research is needed to examine the mechanisms of autism and any possible relationship to vaccines.
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