Vaccines and Autism: Clear Answers for Learners

Vaccines protect children from many dangerous diseases. Doctors and health groups say vaccines do not cause autism, and research supports this view. The MMR vaccine is not linked to autism.

Thimerosal and other vaccine ingredients have been studied and they are not a cause of autism. A small, discredited 1998 study was later retracted and its methods were found to be wrong. Getting recommended vaccines keeps families and communities safe, because high vaccine use prevents outbreaks. Public health organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control review vaccine safety. If you have questions, talk with your family doctor or a pediatrician.