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Related Concept Videos

Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Vaccines01:21

Vaccines

Vaccines are among the most effective tools in preventive medicine, designed to prepare the immune system to recognize and combat infectious agents. By introducing antigens—substances that the immune system identifies as foreign—vaccines stimulate an adaptive immune response that leads to immunological memory. This immunological memory enables the body to mount a faster and more effective response upon future exposures to the actual pathogen.Vaccines can be categorized based on the type of...
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using Poly(I:C) to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring
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Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using Poly(I:C) to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring

Published on: August 17, 2022

Immunization and children at risk for autism.

Wendy Roberts1, Mary Harford

  • 1University of Toronto;

Paediatrics & Child Health
|January 5, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Concerns about vaccines and autism persist, but scientific evidence shows no link between the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism spectrum disorder. Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, is not in MMR vaccines in Canada.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

  • Parental concerns regarding vaccine safety, particularly the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and its potential link to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), have increased since the mid-1990s.
  • A controversial 1998 study suggested a link between MMR vaccine and ASD, leading to decreased vaccination rates in some regions and ongoing public debate.
  • Concerns also exist regarding thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, and its potential association with developmental disorders, although its presence in vaccines has been significantly reduced.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address parental concerns and provide guidance to physicians regarding the safety of immunizations, specifically the MMR vaccine.
  • To clarify the scientific evidence, or lack thereof, supporting a link between vaccines and autism spectrum disorder.
  • To inform parents about the composition of vaccines used in Canada, particularly regarding thimerosal content.
Keywords:
AutismImmunizationMMRMeaslesMercuryThimerosal

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Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using Poly(I:C) to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring
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A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research

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Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature and data on vaccine safety and autism spectrum disorder.
  • Analysis of vaccine composition and usage in Canada, focusing on thimerosal content in various vaccines.
  • Synthesis of information to provide evidence-based guidance for healthcare professionals counseling parents.

Main Results:

  • No credible scientific evidence supports a causal link between the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism spectrum disorder.
  • Thimerosal is not an ingredient in the MMR vaccine in Canada and has been removed from most other routine childhood vaccines since 1992.
  • The Hepatitis B vaccine is the only vaccine in some Canadian provinces that may still contain thimerosal.

Conclusions:

  • The scientific consensus is that vaccines, including MMR, do not cause autism spectrum disorder.
  • Physicians should counsel parents using evidence-based information to alleviate unfounded fears about vaccine safety.
  • Maintaining high immunization rates is crucial for protecting children against preventable infectious diseases like measles.