Why It’s Essential for People with Autism to Receive Vaccines

Despite numerous well-conducted research studies proving that vaccines do not cause autism, the claims suggesting a link continue. This leads to unvaccinated people and often involves minimizing the risk associated with vaccine-preventable diseases, leaving people at risk for severe and even life-threatening illness. The studies proving no link are important because they include large numbers of children of all different backgrounds. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that often appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships and self-regulation. While there is no known single cause of autism, there is ongoing research to determine the causes, including genetic links, environmental exposures and parental medical conditions.

Vaccinations not only protect individuals against infectious respiratory diseases, but they also help the broader community through community immunity or herd immunity. This further prevents disease outbreaks and protects those who cannot be vaccinated due to age and underlying medical conditions. “Vaccines are our best protection against infectious diseases that once caused illness and death among people of all ages. Vaccines are supported by decades of scientific research and a long-standing safety system to make certain they are as safe as possible.” said Albert Rizzo, MD, Chief Medical Officer, American Lung Association.

Four things to know about autism and vaccination:

1. Vaccination is the best protection against many respiratory diseases. They are an important tool in preventing serious illness, complications and death. During the 2024-25 flu season, 198 children died from the flu. In past flu seasons, about 80% of children who died from flu were not fully vaccinated. Vaccines, including their ingredients, do not cause autism. There is no evidence to support any link between vaccines and the development of autism. The original study that linked the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, was retracted and has been debunked by extensive scientific research.
2. Some people with developmental disabilities may be more likely to have serious symptoms from respiratory illnesses. This can happen because of existing health issues, living in group settings and communication barriers that make it harder to explain their symptoms or get medical care. Research has shown that individuals with autism and their families use healthcare services less often. “People with developmental disabilities are among the most vulnerable in our healthcare system—not because of their diagnoses, but because of the barriers we’ve built around care,” said Danielle Hall, Director of Health Equity, Autism Society of America. 
3. Visiting a healthcare provider for vaccinations can be stressful for individuals with autism due to sensory sensitivities or communication challenges. It is essential for caregivers, the individual with autism and healthcare providers to work together to create a more accessible vaccination experience. This does not just benefit individuals with autism but can be beneficial to everyone. “This can include making sensory tools available, using social narratives and/or a visual schedule prior to an appointment in preparation, offering a calm experience and having support tools available to block sharp pain with injections,” Danielle Hall continued.
4. There are several routinely recommended immunizations to protect against respiratory illnesses at different stages of life:
   • An RSV antibody to protect infants and some young children at increased risk for severe RSV.
   • Pneumococcal vaccination to protect against pneumococcal disease, including the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia, pneumococcal pneumonia.
   • DTaP and Tdap to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis/whooping cough.
   • An annual flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
   • An annual COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 6 months and older.
   • Additional vaccinations are recommended that can cause respiratory illness symptoms and pneumonia such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b). Your healthcare provider can advise about what vaccines you and your family need and when they are needed.

In today’s environment, misinformation spreads rapidly on social media platforms, often overshadowing public health best practices and recommendations. Families need to have access to reliable, science-based information to make the best decisions for their children’s health. And healthcare and public health professionals play a critical role in educating families, addressing concerns with empathy and providing science-based updated information. Informed vaccination decisions that are made using credible sources can lead to better health outcomes for individuals with autism.

“Vaccination is an essential tool in preventing respiratory disease, and individuals with autism are no exception when it comes to benefiting from vaccinations. With the right approach and understanding, people with autism can receive the protection they need,” Dr. Rizzo continued. By addressing concerns, focusing on individualized care and ensuring access to lifesaving vaccines, we can create healthier individuals and communities across the board.

This Autism Acceptance Month and World Immunization Week (April 24-30), the American Lung Association has partnered with the Autism Society of America to raise awareness about vaccination to protect against infectious respiratory diseases and encourage caregivers and individuals with autism to talk with a healthcare provider to be sure they are up to date on their recommended vaccinations.

For tools and resources to make vaccination more accessible visit the Autism Society’s webpage AutismSociety.org/vei. For more information about immunizations to protect against respiratory illness visit Lung.org/vaccines.