Fact Check: Vaccines cause autism

Fact Check: "Vaccines cause autism"

What We Know

The claim that vaccines cause autism has been a topic of significant public debate. However, extensive research and studies have consistently shown no causal link between vaccines and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to the CDC, studies have demonstrated that there is no connection between receiving vaccines and developing ASD. This conclusion is supported by multiple studies, including a 2013 CDC study that found no difference in the total amount of antigens from vaccines between children with ASD and those without.

The Institute of Medicine has reviewed the safety of vaccines and found them to be very safe, with rare exceptions. Additionally, concerns about specific vaccine ingredients, such as thimerosal, have been thoroughly investigated. A 2004 scientific review concluded that the evidence does not support a causal relationship between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism.

Analysis

The evidence against the claim that vaccines cause autism is robust and comes from multiple reputable sources. The CDC and other health organizations have conducted numerous studies that consistently show no link between vaccines and autism. The Johns Hopkins University also supports this conclusion, citing 16 well-conducted, large population-based studies that found no relationship between vaccines and autism.

A systematic review of the literature from 1998 to 2022 further supports these findings, indicating no credible evidence of a link between vaccines and autism. The review included 21 studies, all of which failed to establish any association. The Child Mind Institute also emphasizes that extensive evidence reveals no credible link between vaccines and autism.

The reliability of these sources is high, given their affiliations with reputable institutions and their use of rigorous scientific methodologies. The studies are peer-reviewed and conducted by experts in the field, reducing the likelihood of bias or error.

Conclusion

False. The claim that vaccines cause autism is not supported by scientific evidence. Extensive research, including studies by the CDC, the Institute of Medicine, and other reputable organizations, consistently shows no causal link between vaccines and autism. The evidence is clear and robust, indicating that vaccines are safe and do not cause autism.