Closing an argument that probably never should have existed in the first place, the University of Sydney has released its findings from an investigation that looked into claims that childhood vaccinations are a cause of autism and autism spectrum disorders. The study found, after looking at studies that total well over 1.25 million cases, that there is absolutely no evidence to support that theory. In short, vaccinations do not cause autism. At all.

The study looked at the common measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough vaccines, and – AGAIN, I MUST STRESS – zero link to autism was discovered. This is a conclusion that is not murky, does not contain doubt, is not a matter of opinion. According to people who have studied their entire life in the fields of science, who have spent large amounts of time analysing the data and conducting balanced experiments, and who have absolutely no commercial reason to be saying so, vaccines do not cause autism.

The vaccines tested are the ones most commonly targeted by short-sighted anti-vaccination groups, which has led to growing areas of distrust with regards to childhood immunisation; a dangerous mindset, because vaccination only prevents the occurrence of disease when the greatest number of society are immunised, effectively meaning that the individual needle not only protects the individual child, but goes a long way towards protecting everyone else’s too.

Associate Professor Guy Eslick stated, “A rising awareness of autism cases and the claimed, but not proven link, to childhood vaccinations has led to both an increased distrust in the trade between vaccine benefit outweighing potential risks and an opportunity for disease resurgence.“

“This has in recent times become a major public health issue with vaccine-preventable diseases rapidly increasing in the community due to the fear of a ‘link’ between vaccinations and autism.“

“The risks incurred by not immunising a child is increasing substantially as the level of immunisation coverage in the population falls.“

“The data consistently shows the lack of evidence for an association between autism, autism spectrum disorders and childhood vaccinations, regardless of whether the intervention was through combination vaccines (MMR) or one of its components, providing no reason to avoid immunisation on these grounds.“

So there you have it. Shut the fuck up about Jenny McCarthy, who is a person who is wrong, and immunise your kids, because it is safe and it is right.

Photo: Joe Raedle via Getty Images.

via Herald Sun.