The Reproductive Infectious Diseases section of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UBC wishes to dispel misinformation that has come from the US Secretary of Health, Dr. Robert F. Kennedy, via messaging from a newly appointed leadership at the US Centre for Disease Control, Atlanta.
In accordance with the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine and the Infectious Diseases Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, (Joint SMFM and IDSOG Statement on CDC Website Information Update on Autism and Vaccines – Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine) we want to reassure patients and care providers that vaccines are safe and highly effective. They do not cause autism.
The vaccines that have been studied and are particularly recommended in pregnancy for the prevention of adverse health outcomes for both the mother and the infant are the influenza vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines in pregnancy for infant protection, Tdap (pertussis vaccine) and the RSVpreF vaccine are also safe and recommended. There is no evidence after many decades of research in vaccines in pregnancy and childhood that there is a link between vaccines and autism.
| Joint SMFM and IDSOG Statement on CDC Website Information Update on Autism and Vaccines |
| The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) and the Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology (IDSOG) are deeply troubled by the inaccurate and misleading information regarding vaccines and autism recently posted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. This action to further discredit the safety and effectiveness of vaccines appears to be part of a calculated disinformation campaign to sow distrust about vaccination among parents, pregnant people, and the general public. In fact, multiple reviews of the existing credible scientific research by experts over decades have repeatedly found no evidence that autism is caused by or related to vaccines given during pregnancy or early childhood. Evidence-based recommendations are based on well-designed scientific research that includes rigorous, peer-reviewed studies from reliable sources and is free from ideological bias. Even a small decline in overall maternal immunizations leads to increases in preterm birth, severe maternal illness, and infant hospitalizations. This ongoing, ill-conceived assault against science, public health, and evidence-based medicine will inevitably lead to rising rates of preventable illnesses and deaths among children and all Americans. |
Deborah Money, CM, BSc, MD, FRCSC, FCAHS
Professor & Head, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Dr Victor Gomel Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
University of British Columbia
Clinician Scientist, Women’s Health Research Institute
Julianne van Schalkwyk MD, MSc, FRCSC
Site Head, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre
Clinical Professor
Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Infectious Diseases
University of British Columbia
Chelsea Elwood, B.M.ScH, M.Sc, MD,FRCSC
Medical Lead, Oak Tree Clinic
Antimicrobial Stewardship
BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of British Columbia
Jeffrey Wong MD, FRCSC
Clinical Assistant Professor
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
University of British Columbia
Reproductive Infectious Diseases Specialist
B.C. Women’s Hospital and Health Centre