Vaccines and Autism

Does the MMR vaccine cause autism? For many years, researchers have debated the question of whether the mumps/measles/rubella vaccine could be responsible for the leap in autism diagnoses. Despite reassurances from federal research agencies, the question remains the subject of debate.

Autism is often discussed with reference with the ingredients in vaccines, particularly mercury. Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative that was used in many vaccines between the 1980's and 2003. Could thimerosal be responsible for the leap in autism diagnoses?

Can vaccine injury cause autism? Many parents wonder, but the answer isn't obvious.

Should parents skip vaccinations to avoid autism? With all the media hype around this issue, many parents are considering the alternatives. There are some options ... but skipping vaccines is not one of them!

With so much media interest in vaccines and autism, parents have a right to be confused. What is the best way to ensure your child's safety? Can vaccines cause autism? Is there such a thing as a "safer" vaccine schedule?

In general, vaccines are safe and effective. But parents worry over whether there are times when doctors should avoid giving their children vaccines. This Q&A with immunologist Dr. Paul Offit answers many common parental questions about vaccines.

Despite assurances from a huge majority of the research and medical communities, many people believe that vaccines are the cause of an autism epidemic. Where do you stand on this controversy? Why?

Does the MMR (Mumps-Measles-Rubella) vaccine cause autism? This question, first raised in 1998, continues to cause controversy in the autism community. What does the research say?

In June, 2007, the federal "Vaccine Court" began hearing the first of nearly 5,000 cases claiming that a child's autism was caused by vaccines. Learn more about autism and the vaccine court, and what these cases may mean to you.

This online publication presents Facts for Parents About Autism and Vaccine Safety from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Thimersol, an additive to certain vaccines, may be linked to autism. The CDC has conducted its own research on the issue; its findings are published here. You can also find ueful information about which vaccines still contain thimersol.

Andrew Wakefield's study linking the MMR vaccine and autism sparked an international controversy. Even after the study was retracted, and even after major studies seem to refute an autism/vaccine link, many are certain the link is real. Where do you stand on Andrew Wakefield and the autism/vaccine link?