The Claim:
Anti-vaxxers are trying to convert COVID vaccine hesitancy into all vaccine hesitancy by connecting the autism myth to their fears of COVID vaccines, claiming that vaccines cause brain inflammation leading to autism.
The Facts:
Plenty of evidence tells us that vaccines do not cause autism. Not only do the studies done to date show vaccines are not in any way linked to autism, but studies indicate disorganization of the prefrontal cortex in the brains of autistic people. This finding about brains links autism to development that takes place before birth.
Of all the risk factors for developing autism, we know genetics looks the most likely, and being vaccinated is not among them.
Disclaimer
Science is always evolving and our understanding of these topics may have evolved too since this was originally posted. Be sure to check out our most recent posts and browse the latest Just the Facts Topics for the latest.
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