Adults are at higher risk for complications from chicken pox than children. Barbara Loe Fisher, co-founder of the National Vaccine Information Center in Washington, D.C., disagrees. April Rogers, a Copley Township, Ohio, mother of three, favors more research to figure out genetic and other factors that predispose some children to react badly to vaccines. Her son Brandon seemed to be developing normally until he suddenly became silent and withdrawn at about 18 months old. Eventually, his doctors diagnosed him with autism.
Most experts think the timing is coincidental, but others are more skeptical.
Several subsequent studies have been conducted, but none found a link between the vaccine and autism, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America. The CDC in Atlanta is supporting further study in response to the continued concern. Rogers doesn't blame the vaccine for her son's condition, but she'd like to know for sure. God forbid what would happen if everyone stopped vaccinating. But I really think more research needs to be done.