Vaccination and autism spectrum disorders: the current state of scientific evidence

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    About the Authors

    Altynshash Jaxybayeva - MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Chief Expert of the Clinical Rehabilitation Department, NJSC "National Center for Children's Rehabilitation", Astana, Kazakhstan, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8927-7377

    Ainagul Kuatbaeva - Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor, Director of the Branch 'Scientific and Practical Centre for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring' of the RSE on REM 'National Centre of Public Health' of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Almaty, Kazakhstan, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1391-4253

    Manar Smagul - Deputy Chairman, RSE on REM 'National Centre of Public Health' of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Almaty, Kazakhstan, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0905-8121

    Lena Kasabekova - Researcher, Branch 'Scientific and Practical Centre for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring' of the RSE on REM 'National Centre of Public Health' of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Almaty, Kazakhstan, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9768-0289


    Abstract

    Background. The hypothesis of a possible causal relationship between vaccination and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains a source of parental concern, despite decades of research. Objective. To summarize current scientific evidence on the association between vaccination and ASD. Materials and Methods. An analytical review was conducted of WHO documents, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large cohort studies through September 2026. Results. High-quality evidence does not support a causal relationship between vaccination and ASD. Large cohort studies found no increased risk of ASD following MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccination, even among children with a familial predisposition. Conclusion. Contemporary epidemiological evidence consistently shows no evidence that vaccination causes ASD.


    Keywords

    Vaccination, vaccines, autism, autism spectrum disorder, MMR, vaccine safety, thiomersal, aluminum.


    References

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