On November 21 the Department of Health and the West Coast Health Alliance issued statements regarding vaccines and autism. In short, vaccines are thoroughly tested and remain one of the most important tools we have for preventing infectious diseases. They represent one of the greatest public health achievements in history, having saved millions of lives and prevented illness and lifelong disability.
Claims suggesting a link between vaccines and autism undermine public confidence, reduce immunization rates, and contribute to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Public health guidance on immunization must be grounded in credible, evidence-based science to help parents and caregivers who may be receiving conflicting or inaccurate messages about immunization.
Resources
- Washington State Department of Health statement on vaccine safety and autism claims, DOH
- The West Coast Health Alliance stands with scientific evidence: vaccines are not linked to autism, WCHA
- Recommend vaccine schedule for children and adults, Grays Harbor County Public Health