Scientific studies show that many different genes work together with things in the environment to put a child at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Scientific studies do not show that vaccines cause ASD. Studies also have not found groups in the population that are at greater genetic risk from vaccines. Research studying environmental causes of ASD is important and will hopefully find causes for ASD.
Some parents of children with ASD may worry about connections between vaccines and ASD. For example, parents worry that vaccines may cause autism or may increase autism symptoms in children who already have ASD. However, scientific studies have not shown a connection between vaccines and ASD.
Today’s vaccines are the safest in history. Before they can be released, vaccines must pass many tests. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tests a new vaccine in research studies with thousands of people before giving the...
