No vaccine-autism link, finds WHO review

WHO found no causal link between vaccines and autism after reviewing studies from 2010 to August 2025. The findings are particularly relevant for India, where measles-rubella vaccination is part of the national immunisation programme, with the govt working towards measles-rubella elimination by 2026.

The Union health ministry launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025-26 in April 2025, with children up to five years targeted for two doses of the vaccine. Its 2025-26 annual report puts first-dose coverage at 98.6% for April-Dec 2025.The WHO review, published on Sept 3, assessed peer-reviewed studies from 2010 to Aug 2025.

It included 31 primary studies and five meta-analyses, along with 21 narrative reviews. Methodologically the most rigorous studies did not support a causal association between vaccines, including those containing thiomersal, and autism spectrum disorder.Join conversation InsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig Development Studies reporting a positive association were rated as having very low strength of evidence and high risk of bias, while none of the meta-analyses supported a causal link.

The review also found no convincing evidence that thiomersal, an organomercury preservative, causes autism. WHO said the overall evidence supports the safety of current vaccines.WHO also cautioned that the rise in autism diagnoses should not automatically be attributed to vaccination.

Improved identification, broader diagnostic criteria and greater awareness could be contributing to higher diagnosis rates. Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app. Anuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism.

She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience.

Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling. From 'Su-57, Oil & $100 BN Trade', What Modi & Putin Discussed Ahead of BRICS 2026?

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