Vaccines and Autism: Separating Fact from Fiction

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that vaccines cause autism. This claim was first made in 1998 in a now-retracted study that had been published in the authoritative scientific journal Lancet. The author of the study had raised concerns about a possible link between (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) MMR vaccine and autism. But numerous studies conducted since then have consistently shown that vaccines do not increase the risk of autism. The idea that vaccines cause autism has therefore been thoroughly discredited by the scientific community.

Health Challenge

Take the challenge now and test your knowledge. Can you name the top 5 myths and misconceptions on vaccines that are circulating in African communities? Name them and see how many you got right! With the 21st century African bombarded with misinformation from beyond their culture, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Don’t miss out on this engaging and interactive experience.

Common Vaccines and Autism Myths and Controversies

1. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine causes autism: This claim was first made in a 1998 study published in The Lancet. In the study a which has since been thoroughly discredited and retracted by the journal.
   • Among the issues identified with the study, the author was found to not have followed proper scientific method, making the study claims weak and without merit. For example, there was no control group to test whether what was being observed with vaccines and autism was a result of coincidence or if needed there was real evidence. According to US Government National Cancer Institute website cancer.gov, a control group is “the group that does not receive the new treatment being studied. This group is compared to the group that receives the new treatment, to see if the new treatment works.” For this case, on vaccines and autism, it means that the researcher had to study children who had not received the MMR vaccine and investigate if autism among them was higher, lower or the same as with the vaccinated children. As this did not happen, independent review found that the authors of the refuted study could not authoritatively determine if the occurrence of autism after receiving the MMR vaccine was caused by the vaccine or if it was just a coincidence. Moreover, there have been numerous scientific studies done thereafter to refute claims of existence of a link between vaccines and autism.
2. The preservatives in vaccines, such as thimerosal, cause autism.
   • Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, was used in some vaccines in the past but has not been used in routine childhood vaccines since 2001. Studies have shown that there is no link between thimerosal and autism.
3. Too many vaccines given at once can overwhelm a child’s immune system and cause autism.
   • The human immune system is capable of handling many different types of pathogens at once, and children receive far fewer antigens from vaccines than they do from everyday exposure to germs.
4. The timing of the vaccines can cause autism.
   • There is no evidence to support the idea that the timing of vaccines causes autism. Studies have shown that there is no increased risk of autism among children who receive the recommended vaccines on schedule.

It is important to note that these myths have been debunked by extensive research and scientific studies, and vaccines are safe and effective in preventing serious illnesses.