The Northeast Public Health Collaborative, through the New York State Department of Health, responded to a recent statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about vaccines and autism. The collaborative emphasized that extensive research has found no connection between vaccines and autism.
“CDC’s recent statement regarding vaccines and autism is inconsistent with decades of research and more than 40 carefully designed and scientifically sound studies involving 5.6 million people that show no link or association between vaccines and autism,” the group stated.
The collaborative highlighted that vaccines in the United States undergo rigorous testing and ongoing safety monitoring. “Vaccines used in the United States are rigorously tested and monitored for safety. Claims suggesting a cause-and-effect relationship between vaccines and autism are not supported by credible scientific evidence nor are they grounded in rigorous, peer-reviewed research and consensus,” the statement continued.
Experts worldwide have studied this issue extensively using large cohort studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. According to the collaborative, misinformation about a vaccine-autism link can create confusion and may lead to unnecessary fear or harm. “This issue has been studied thoroughly for many years by experts around the world through major cohort studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The claims of a link between vaccines and autism spread inaccurate information, will result in unnecessary confusion, and may lead to unnecessary fear and harm.”
The collaborative also stressed the global impact of vaccine-preventable diseases. “What is clear is that vaccine-preventable diseases cause a substantial disease burden affecting populations worldwide. Vaccines are safe and help prevent illness, hospitalization, and millions of deaths worldwide every year.”
Finally, the Northeast Public Health Collaborative advised individuals to seek guidance from health professionals when making decisions about vaccinations. “The Northeast Public Health Collaborative encourages the public to consult with qualified health care professionals and clinicians and rely on trusted medical sources when making decisions about their health or the health of their children. We also urge caution in sharing or acting on unverified health claims.”
