Do multiple vaccines lead to autism? Researchers say no


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SALT LAKE CITY — One out of every ten parents chooses not to immunize their children over fears vaccines lead to autism. But now there's more proof those concerns are unfounded.

Though infants often receive multiple immunizations in the same day, this practice in no way increases their odds of developing autism, according to a new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics this week. The results of this report support countless findings from similar studies done in recent years that debunk the existence of a link between vaccines and the disorder.

Centers for Disease Control
Why Immunize?
  • Diseases are becoming rare due to vaccinations
  • The U.S. currently has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in history
  • Immunizations lead to lower cases of disease, hospitalizations and death

Still, a third of all parents are worried about their children receiving too many shots too soon, according to a 2011 national survey. Some argue that as the CDC adds more vaccines to the childhood lineup, cases of autism have also gone up.

As a result, many parents stray from the Center for Disease Control's recommended childhood immunization schedule — opting instead to skip or delay immunizations.

CDC researchers involved in the most recent study focused on the "too much too soon" mindset by analyzing exposure to antigens — the protein in vaccines that helps the immune system develop antibodies against a disease.

They studied records from more than 250 kids diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and compared that data to those of more than 750 children without it. They noted each child's vaccination schedule and were able to calculate their overall exposure to antigens in their first two years of life.


Beginning at birth, an infant is exposed to hundreds of viruses and other antigens, and it has been estimated that an infant theoretically could respond to thousands of vaccines at once.

–Study authors


Children typically receive the bulk of their childhood immunizations by the time they turn two.

Researchers concluded that the children diagnosed with autism were exposed to the same amount of antigens as those without the disorder. In short, there is no correlation between autism and an increased vaccine schedule.

"Beginning at birth, an infant is exposed to hundreds of viruses and other antigens, and it has been estimated that an infant theoretically could respond to thousands of vaccines at once," study authors wrote.

The data used in the study was from kids born from 1994 to 1999 — a time when a single shot contained up to 3,000 antigens. Today, a child receives about 315 antigens total from birth to the age of two, according to the CDC.

The Institute of Medicine released an immunization safety review at the beginning of the year confirming the 24 vaccines children currently receive before the age of two are not only safe, but they also prevent the spread of disease and keep children healthy.

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Jessica Ivins

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