1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Autism

Do Vaccines Cause Autism

By , About.com Guide

Created: November 18, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board


Nearly all of the leading health organizations including the CDC and the NIH say that there is no relationship between vaccines and autism. Yet many parents are convinced there is more to the story, and doubts about the safety of vaccines linger in their minds. How did this controversy get started -- and why is it still such a concern?

Before launching into the issues surrounding vaccines and autism, it's important to note that, with very rare exceptions, no one on either side of the vaccine issues is "anti-vaccine." Every doctor and researcher with any real credentials acknowledges that vaccinations have saved thousands and possibly millions of lives -- and even those doctors who are most vocal in their concerns about vaccines offer recommendations for what they consider to be "safe" vaccines.

So what are the controversies? Why are they still being fought over so fiercely? And - why should you care? These links should give you a good place to get started on your search for knowledge!

Explore Autism
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Autism
  4. Causes of Autism
  5. Vaccines and Autism
  6. Vaccines - Do Vaccines Cause Autism

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.