Do vaccines cause autism? Is it OK to skip certain vaccines?
Childhood vaccines protect children from a variety of serious or potentially fatal diseases, including diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis) and others. If these diseases seem uncommon — or even unheard of — it’s usually because these vaccines are doing their job. Still, you might wonder about the benefits and risks of childhood vaccines. Here are straight answers to common questions about childhood vaccines.
IS NATURAL IMMUNITY BETTER THAN VACCINATION?
A natural infection might provide better immunity than vaccination — but there are serious risks. For example, a natural chickenpox (varicella) infection could lead to pneumonia. A natural polio infection could cause permanent paralysis. A natural mumps infection could lead to deafness. A natural Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection could result in permanent brain damage or even death. Vaccination can help prevent these diseases and potentially serious complications.
DO VACCINES CAUSE AUTISM?
Vaccines do not cause autism. Despite much controversy on the topic, researchers haven’t found a connection between autism and childhood vaccines. In fact, the original study that ignited the debate years ago has been retracted.
ARE VACCINE SIDE EFFECTS DANGEROUS?
Any vaccine can cause side effects. Usually, these side effects are minor — a low-grade fever, fussiness, and soreness at the injection site. Some vaccines cause a temporary headache, fatigue or loss of appetite. Rarely, a child might experience a severe allergic reaction or a neurological side effect, such as a seizure. Though these rare side effects are a concern, the risk of a vaccine causing serious harm or death is extremely small.