MMR Vaccine and Autism : Part 4

by CDC

(Page 5 of 5)

Should a younger sibling of an autistic child, or a child of someone who has autism be vaccinated with MMR or other vaccines?

Yes. Current scientific evidence does not show that MMR vaccine, or any combination of vaccines, causes the development of autism, including regressive forms of autism.

A younger sibling or the child of someone who suffered a vaccine side effect usually can, and should, safely receive the same vaccine. This is especially true since the large majority of side effects after vaccination are local reactions and fever, which do not represent a contraindication.

Should we delay vaccination until we know more about the negative effects of vaccines?

No. There is no convincing evidence that vaccines such as MMR cause long term health effects. On the other hand, we do know that people will become ill and some will die from the diseases this vaccine prevents. Measles outbreaks have recently occurred in the UK and Germany following an increase in the number of parents who chose not to have their children vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. Discontinuing a vaccine program based on unproven theories would not be in anyone's best interest. Isolated reports about these vaccines causing long term health problems may sound alarming at first. However, careful review of the science reveals that these reports are isolated and not confirmed by scientifically sound research. Detailed medical reviews of health effects reported after receipt of vaccines have often proven to be unrelated to vaccines, but rather have been related to other health factors. Because these vaccines are recommended widely to protect the health of the public, research on any serious hypotheses about their safety are important to pursue. Several studies are underway to investigate still unproven theories about vaccinations and severe side effects.

Can developmental screening provide early detection?

Many children with behavioral or developmental disabilities, such as autism, are missing vital opportunities for early detection and intervention.

In the United States, 17% of children have a developmental or behavioral disability such as autism, mental retardation, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; in addition, many children have delays in language or other areas, which also impact school readiness. However, less than 50% of these children are identified as having a problem before starting school, by which time significant delays may have already occurred and opportunities for treatment have been missed.

Recent surveys indicate that parents want information and guidance from their health care provider about their child's development, but studies sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics show that 65% of pediatricians feel inadequately trained in assessing children's developmental status.

Although developmental screening is widely recommended, there are currently no national data tracking the state of this practice and how it is integrated into primary care.

Developmental screening - a brief assessment designed to identify children who should receive more intensive diagnosis or assessment - can improve child health and well-being, especially for children with autism and other developmental disabilities or delays.

Research has demonstrated that early detection of developmental disabilities and appropriate intervention can significantly improve functioning and reduce the need for lifelong interventions. For example, children with autism identified early and enrolled in early intervention programs show significant improvements in their language, cognitive, social, and motor skills, as well as in their future educational placement.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has established the following goals to help children reach their full potential:

Develop and test community-based model programs in primary care settings (and potentially other settings that care for young children) to screen children early on, identify those with autism and other developmental disabilities or delays, and ensure that children with these conditions receive appropriate care.

Increase health care providers' knowledge and skills in developmental screening by incorporating developmental screening into professional health care training. Monitor the use of screening for autism and other developmental disabilities or delays in primary care settings. Raise awareness about the need for and benefits of developmental screening to identify and care for children with autism and other developmental disabilities or delays.

About the Author

www.cdc.gov
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the 13 major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is the principal agency in the United States government for protecting the health and safety of all Americans and for providing essential human services, especially for those people who are least able to help themselves.