The recommendations that we offer to parents every day in our offices are based on proven scientific evidence. The theory that vaccines, or the mercury in some vaccines, could cause autism has naturally increased anxiety in parents. Those with autistic children are looking for causes, treatments and cures. Other parents want assurances that their healthy child will stay that way once vaccinated. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports aggressive research into the causes, treatment and prevention of autism.
Autism is a very serious but poorly understood condition.
The perceived increase in autism cases could be attributed to a number of factors, and additional study is needed. However, current scientific evidence indicates that vaccines are not the cause. The May issue of Pediatrics, a peer-reviewed journal published by the Academy will contain a similar report. We will continue to support vaccine safety research to guarantee we have the safest vaccines available for every child. The American Academy of Academy advises parents to fully vaccinate their children in order to prevent the spread of potentially dangerous diseases.