The notion that vaccines cause autism has been a persistent myth despite decades of research showing no association between the two. The 1998 paper by Andrew Wakefield that first suggested a link between vaccines and autism has been widely discredited, but the misconception persists.
In reality, numerous large-scale studies have investigated the relationship between vaccines and autism, and all have found no evidence to support the claim. These studies have examined various factors, including the MMR vaccine, thimerosal, and the number of vaccines administered at one time.
So, why has this theory persisted? The lack of trust in public health authorities and the rigor of scientific methods may be contributing factors. Additionally, the complexity of studying vaccine safety means that confounding variables need to be carefully considered.
To combat misinformation, it’s essential to rely on high-quality research and robust study designs. In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concluded that vaccines were not associated with autism, a finding echoed by numerous other organizations worldwide.
While more research is always welcome, the existing evidence has largely been considered sufficient. The focus should shift to promoting vaccine uptake and addressing concerns about vaccine safety through education and outreach programs. By relying on science and credible sources of information, we can work towards dispelling the myth that vaccines cause autism and protecting public health.
Source: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/the-evidence-on-vaccines-and-autism