Last Updated on February 6, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media video claims that aluminum in the vaccine can cause autism. We fact-checked and found the claim to be Mostly False. There is not enough evidence to confirm that aluminum in the vaccine causes autism.
The Claim
An Instagram post features a video where a woman claims that vaccines cause autism. The accompanying caption supports this claim by citing a calculation based on the aluminum content mentioned in a package insert for a hepatitis B vaccine and the average weight of a newborn.
According to the calculation, infants receiving the hepatitis B vaccine allegedly face aluminum exposure 28 times higher than the safe limit. The caption goes on to assert that children are also exposed to mercury through vaccines, claiming that such exposure can lead to traits associated with or commonly found in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
The post has received over 3,907 likes till we last checked.
The screenshot below shows how the post looks at the time of publishing this story.
In another fact check, we debunked Pneumococcal vaccines cause autism. We further refuted the claim that vaccinations cause autism in children.
Fact Check
What is autism spectrum disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior. It varies widely among individuals, with symptoms ranging from difficulties in nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors to intense interest in specific topics. Early intervention and tailored support services are crucial for individuals with this condition to enhance their social and communication skills, manage behaviors, and improve overall well-being.
What are the causes of autism spectrum disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is thought to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic mutations and variations contribute to susceptibility, but no single gene is identified as the sole cause. Prenatal and perinatal factors, as well as neurological differences, may also play a role. Research continues to explore the complex interplay between genetic and environmental influences in the development of this condition.
Can aluminum in the vaccine cause autism?
Not exactly. There is no substantiated proof linking aluminum in vaccines to autism. Additionally, insufficient evidence exists to confirm a connection between vaccines and autism.
The Instagram claim of unsafe aluminum levels in vaccines relies on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA guidelines) for acceptable aluminum levels in intravenous nutrition for infants. However, these guidelines are not for assessing safe aluminum exposure from vaccines. The available evidence informs that vaccines are unrelated to autism.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC website) also states that vaccine and vaccine ingredients do not cause autism.
Still, we further found a 2021 review paper that suggests a potential connection between vaccines and autism. But we also found that this paper is just a review which highlights the need for further research in this specific area. The same has been stated by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP website). It advises monitoring intravenous solutions with aluminum due to potential toxicity risk.
Our research shows that aluminum limits are significantly lower in vaccines. Aluminum salts in vaccines serve as adjuvants which stimulate a stronger immune response, and extensive research supports their safety. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia website informs that the amount of aluminum from vaccines is a fraction of what infants receive from nursing or formula.
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