Vaccines do not cause autism, reaffirms WHO

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a firm and science-based rebuttal to recent claims made by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reiterating its long-standing position that there is no scientific evidence linking vaccines to autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

• The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) assessed two new systematic literature reviews on the potential relationship between vaccines and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

• Upon comprehensive review of the latest evidence, the Committee reaffirmed that there is no evidence of a causal relationship between vaccines and ASD.

• In November, the CDC revised its website with language that undermines its previous, scientifically-grounded position that immunisations do not cause the developmental disorder autism.

• US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long voiced anti-vaccine rhetoric and inaccurate claims connecting the two.

• The GACVS, established in 1999, brings together international experts to provide independent and authoritative scientific advice to WHO on global vaccine safety related priorities.

• The latest analysis, discussed by the Committee on November 27, focused first on the relationship between thiomersal-containing vaccines and ASD, and the association between vaccines in general and ASD. 

• Evidence based on 31 primary research studies, published between January 2010 and August 2025, including data from multiple countries, strongly supports the positive safety profile of vaccines used during childhood and pregnancy, and confirms the absence of a causal link with ASD.

• WHO advises all national authorities to rely on the latest science and ensure vaccine policies are grounded in the strongest available evidence. 

• Global childhood immunisation efforts represent one of the greatest achievements in improving lives, livelihoods and the prosperity of societies. 

• During the past 50 years, childhood immunisation has saved at least 154 million lives.

Key points on autism:

• Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a diverse group of conditions. 

• They are characterised by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication. Other characteristics are atypical patterns of activities and behaviours, such as difficulty with transition from one activity to another, a focus on details and unusual reactions to sensations.

• It is estimated that worldwide about one in 100 children has autism. 

• Characteristics of autism may be detected in early childhood, but autism is often not diagnosed until much later.

• People with autism often have co-occurring conditions, including epilepsy, depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as well as challenging behaviours such as difficulty sleeping and self-injury. 

• The level of intellectual functioning among autistic people varies widely, extending from profound impairment to superior levels.

• The abilities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time. While some people with autism can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support. 

• Autism often has an impact on education and employment opportunities. In addition, the demands on families providing care and support can be significant. 

• Societal attitudes and the level of support provided by local and national authorities are important factors determining the quality of life of people with autism.

• Available scientific evidence suggests that there are probably many factors that make a child more likely to have autism, including environmental and genetic factors.

• Extensive research using a variety of different methods and conducted over many years has demonstrated that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine does not cause autism. 

• Evidence also shows that other childhood vaccines do not increase the risk of autism. 

• It is important that, once autism has been diagnosed, children, adolescents and adults with autism and their carers are offered relevant information, services, referrals, and practical support, in accordance with their individual and evolving needs and preferences.

• A broad range of interventions, from early childhood and across the life span, can optimise the development, health, well-being and quality of life of autistic people. 

• Timely access to early evidence-based psychosocial interventions can improve the ability of autistic children to communicate effectively and interact socially. 

• The monitoring of child development as part of routine maternal and child health care is recommended.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)